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Full text of "The Christian conflict : a treatise shewing the difficulties and duties of this conflict .."

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A  *  MM  ^ 


PRINCETON,  N.  J. 


Collection  of  Puritan  Literature. 


Division 

Section 

Number 


_scB. 


i  n  c 


CHRISTIAN 

CONFLICT: 

aJ    T%SAT1SB^ 

Shewing  the  Difficultiesand  Duties  ofthis 

Confli&j  with  the  Armour,and  fpcciall  Grace* 
tobccxercifcd  by  Cbnftian  Souldicrs. 

T  articular ty  affiled  to 


-Magistrates  7£Husbands,£CPa*bnts  ,    ?  SMastirs, 
Ministers,     J£Wives>       \  £CHiLDREN,£2S**VANT$f 

The  Cafe  of  V fury  and  Depopu  mon%andtbc  errours  of 

^intihomip  $  tciAJiortkttj  *tp  di[cu§td. 
Preached  in  the  Le  Aire  of  Kttttring  in  the  County  of  Nmh*mpten%  and 

with  fomc  enlargement  jnibhflicd  by  IosipH  Bentiam,  Rcftor 
of  the  Church  of  Brought on  io  the  fame  County. 


LONDON, 

I  rioted  by  G.  M.  for  Pbilemen  Stephens  and  ChrifiefberX* 
golden  Lion  in  P  a  u  l  s  Church-yard ,     I  p 


TO  THE  RIGHT 

HONOVRABLE, 

E  D  VV  A  R  D  L  Ord  M  O  U  N  T  A  G  U  E 

of  Houghton  in  the  County  of 

Northampton ,  increafc  of  grace  in 

this  lijc^nd.ihc  full  fruition  oigUrj 

and  hapfivejfc  in  the  ///V 


'* 


Right  HonMAbl^my  very  giodUrdyarsd^/igtiUr 
tstuk 

T  being  aneafieand  do  difficult 
thing  for  rJMomm  to  picke  quar- 
rels in  another  mans  tale,and  tell 
h  worfc  thanhiflifclfc^  itboif%<i 
lefle  practice  -and  performance 
to  finde  faults  than  to  mend 
them  •  A*  ftrange ,  favage,,  and 
uncharitable  humour,  ipcUning 
to  mif- judge  off^  and  misinterpret  other nicnsa&i- 
ons,  rather  than  to  give  them  aChriftian  andcharita- 
bk  conff ration,  tooTDUChtbwoding  i&thc  vvorM  ^ 


/o  that  nothing  can  be  fo  welldone,butit  fliallbeca 
traried  of  the  evill;  it  being  a  thing  incident,  andal 


v 


mod  certaincinall  mens  natures,  to  behold  wich  fo 
eyes  the  new.growne  felicities  of  others  ,  and 
cxad  a  fharpe  account  of  their  doings,  efpeciall 
whom  they  have  feene  either  inferiour,or  in  cqjaliH 
with  themfelves :  And  writing  of  Blokes  in  tlrf 
learned  and  laborious  age,  being  as  fouldier  s  i  n  peace! 
chimneyes  in  fummer-feafon,  andasfettingofcornc; 
to  ftle  in  the  y  eare  of  plenty ,  wherein  it  was  difdained 
and  defpifed  by  many,  defired  but  of  few :  I  thought 
it  frivolous,  if  not  a  folly  for  me  once  againc  to  aa-| 
venture  upon  the  common  ftage  and  the  worlds  this 
atrcinrhis  kind.  Yctin  regard  of  that  alio  wanceand 
approbation  my  former  Bookeof  the  S$cktj  of  Sum 
hath  found  amongft  grave  and  godly ,  learned  and 
judicious  men  5  that  the  world  might  not  finifterl^ 
iuppofeme  to  be  mote  carclcffe  and  lefle  diligent  at 
Brighton  than  I  was  at  Weekly  y  like  Saint  Hieroms 
zealous  Monke,  but  a  lukc-warrae  Abbot  •  or  like 
unto  fuch  faint  or  faitblefle  fifliers,  Who  having; 
caught  that  which  they  coveted,  hang  up  their  ncts> 
and  leave  off  to  labour  any  longer.  That  I  might  ma- 
nifeft  mine  earned  defire  to  imitate  ( although  afarrc 
•ff  >  himwhomlfiieceed,  who  living  was  my  pat- 
terne  I  pitched  upon  for  imitation ,  my  famous  prc- 
decefTour  M. &/**»,  whofc  fingular  rare  parts  noted  in 
Jiim,have  won  wd  wedded  to  him  as  great  reputation 
and  refped  as  any  man  living  this  day  earrieth  or  can 
have  [of  his  degree  and  quality :  A  man  of  blcfled 
memory ,  yeafucha  one,  thatthey  who  knew  him> 
«o»ldnot  flifficieatly  eft^eme.bimt'and  they  who 

did 


DEDICATORIE. 

did  not  cfteeme  him,  did  never  fuffieiemly  know 
j  hira.  whom  living  I  loved  and  admired,  and  being 
dead,  Idefirctofollow.     Thatas  I  do  not  envy  and 
I  repine  at  other  mens  rich  gifts  with  an  evillcye,  fo 
}  to  fignifie  and  (hew  that  I  do  not  defpife  mine  ownc 
poore  mite  with  a  way  ward  and  wicked  heart,  but  do 
.  de-fire  to  get  and  gainc  fbmething  with  my  fmall  ta- 
lent unto  my  good  and  gracious  Lord,  bleffecfand 
bountifull  Matter ;  That  I  might  a  little  unwindc  my 
felfe  out  of  that  fo  intricate  a  labyrinth,  in  which  my 
heart  and  bed  thoughts  are  and  have  bcene  along 
£  time  much  intanglcd  and  inthralled,  I  having  oftca 
exa&ly  examined  and  throughly  tried  and  pared  my 
thoughts  to  the  quick ;  how  to  teftifieand  tell  abroad 
jny  humble  andhearty,  my  true  and  unfained  thank*. 
,  -  folnefTe  for  your  Lordflbips  redundant  and  reduplica- 
ted favours,  munificently  heaped  upon  race,  (  I 
ranch  abhorring  their  too  bad  difpofition,  which 
•^neither  affbord love,  nor  requited,  which  neither 
offer  it  with  kindnefle,  ner  accept  it  with  acknow- 
ledgement) not  onely  in  placing  and  planting  meat 
WcekUy,not  only  in  countenancing  me  and  my  Mini- 
fterie  being  there  feated  and  fetled,  whereby  I  was 
much  animated  and  encouraged,  and  continually  and 
i  copioufly  contributing  to  me  fo  often  and  infucha- 
bundance,  that  I,  my  no  little  charge  and  great  fa- 
mily lived  with  comfort,  contentment  and  plenty, 
even  to  admiration,  if  not  aftonifhraent  of  allfuch 
t  who  did  not  ad  vifedly  confider  Gods  fecret  blcifing, 
I  multiplying  and  making  to  abound  a  little  meal  fenfi- 
bly  and  plentifully  where  and  when  hirafelf  picafeth  - 
\  and  who  were  not  acquainted  with  the  ever-runniag- 

A  $  foimt|fec 


THE   EPISTLE 

fountains  of  your  Lordfhips  liberality  flowing  over 
not  oncly  to  our  refrefliing,  but  enriching:  But 
alfo  after  fouretcene  yeares  triall  and  experience  of 
me,  in  tranfplancing  mee  to  Brougbten  to  fucceed 
M.  "Bolten ,  of  whom  I  may  truly  fay  as  Saint  i^A*- 
gufime  did  of  Saint  C)prU»9  iMulti  trat  meriti,  mul-^ 
tiptfteriiy  multi^U^  multivirtutu^  He  was  wor- 
thy, wife,  eloquent  and  religious,  I  havcprefii- 
raedtopublifhthisfmallTreatife,  not  expe&ingby 
thus  doing  to  gaine  either  riches  or  preferment,  I 
having  of  the  former  to  content  me,  and  of  the  lat- 
ter by  your  Lordfhips  favour  to  the  utmoft  pitch  (if 
not  further)  that  Iexpc<5ted:  nor  hunting  after  or 
Xokfl  7.14;  hopirtg  hereby  to  havecredit and  applaufc  ( I  ufually 
living  folitarily  and  retiredly  at  home)  well  knowing 
that  reputation  is  but  a  wcakeand  wavering  foundati- 
on, and  that  peoples  affe&ions  oft  raife  mens  hopes, 
and  ruine  their  perfons,  and  that  wife  men  are  not 
moved  by  rumours,  fince  they  grow  by  reports, 
and  diminifti  by  experience:  and  fiice  that  long  con- 
tinuance of  a  thing  flakes  the  wonder  mcnt,and  makes 
the  wings  of  report  to  flag.  But  for  theaforefaid 
caufes  and  confederations  3  as  alfo  to  do  or  attempt 
the  doing  of  good  in  the  Church  and  my  native 
Countrey,  wcllknowing  that  good  intentions  (ex. 
cept  from  felfe-perfwafions  againft  Gods  comman- 
dements  which  are  meereimpiecies)  havefuchafym- 
pathy  with  Gods  owndifpofidon ,  that  he  will  both 
affift  them  for  their  better  encouragement,  and  for 
others  example;  and  well  knowing  that  as  a  fcout 
may  uponan  aecafion  faeare  and  know  what  a  whole 
feofthathiao.prefent  notice  of5  fol  (who  am  no 

more, 


DEDICATORIE. 

more  a  Granger  in  divcrfe  difficulties  and  diftrefles  of 
Ghriftianity  ,  and  in  many  mifcrics  of  this  Com- 
mon-wealth ,  than  he  who  in  a  (hip  as  a  paflenger  f 
when  it  is  in  danger  declares  the  fame  although  noPi- 
lot)  haveafTayed,whatinmeis,  the  good  of  others, 
difiring  (and  yet  it  is  a  folly  to  wifh  where  there  is  no 
hopc)t  hat  this  which  I  have  penned  for  pnblikeprofit 
might  pleafe  a!l:But  alas  to  have  expe&ed  to  pleafe  all 
men,I  might  rather  have  wiflied(as  I  c"o  no  more)than 
imagined  any  poffibility.  Neither  (hall  I  much  regard 
the  malevolent  bitings  of  envious  carpers  of  other 
mens  Writings.     May  it  pleafe  your  Lordfhip  to 
rake  in  good  partthisunfained  teftimony  of  mineob- 
fcquiouslove,  officious  fervice,  and  humble  thank- 
fulneffe  unto  your  Honour  (which  I  hope  you  will 
doe,  fince  noble  hearts  take  more  thankfully  that 
which  a  man  defiresto  give,  than  that  he  gives  in- 
deed )  as  alfo  to  fuflfer  this  Treatife  to  pafle  under 
your  Lordfhips  noble  prote£tien  and  patrocinie. 
To  whom  I  prefent  with  my  humble  fcrvlce  this 
fmall  Treatife. 

Firft ,  Not  onely  becaufe  true  Nobility  grae'd 
with  vertue  and  piety ,  are  all  combin'd  in  your 
Lordfhip  Honours,  Authoritic,  and  great  places 
the  top  of  the  defires  of  ambitious  men ,  except 
they  light  on  a  nature  of  Angular  moderation,  rai- 
niftcr  matter  to  great  and  grievous  vices:  to  whom 
it  is  as  little  benefit  and  true  content  to  have  fuch 
height  of  earthly  happinefle,  wanting  the  ufe  of 
them ,  as  fora  purblinde  man  to  have  goodly  pi- 
ctures j  and  dimmc  eyes  to  behold  them.  In  the 
midft  of  their  plenty  and  redundance  they  wanting 

A  4.  the 


*he  true  comfort  of  confidence^  and  the  right  ufe 
of  their  honour  and  high  places ,  they  arc  in  the 
height  of  mifery.  For ,  were  they  able  to  drinke 
up  thepleafureof  the  world  in  as  plentifull  manner 
as  Cleopdtra  (who  drunk  the  value  of  50000  pound) 
ac  a  draught;  yet  ic  is  but  a  draught,  and  quickly 
downej  themfelves  being  like  to  grecneahd  good- 
ly boughs  and  branches,  cut  downe  from  trees  to 
adornemens  houfes  for  a  time,  and  then  throwne 
to  the  dunghill*  For,  if  allthe  gravell  in  their  ri- 
vers were  turned  into  pearlcs ,  and  every  ihovver 
of  raine  from  the  clouds  above  were  a  fhower  of 
Clvcr  and  gold  into  their  houfes;  yet  as  the  frefh 
rivers  run  into  and  end  in  the  fait  fea ,  fo  fhall  aH 
their  honour  end  inbafenefife,  all  their  pleaiures  in 
bitternefle,  all  their  treafure  in  emptineffe,  all  their 
garments  in  nakednefle,  and  their  viands  and  delica- 
cies in  loachfomnefle  and  rottennetfe.  Were  they 
faftned  to  their  greatnefTe  as  arc  the  flony  moun* 
taines  to  their  foundations  j  yet  are  they  not  of 
power  fufficient  to  withftand  the  power  of  the  hea- ' 
venly  IEHOVAH,  who  commandeth  the  ligh- 
tening and  fendeth  forth  the  wind,  and  is  able  to 
fliakethe  world  and  rend  in  funder  the  maffcof  the 
earth.  Yea  the  faireft  and  goodlicft  in  body  being 
ungodly,  ftand  in  danger  of grievous difeafes,  or  of 
vile  creatures  to  beconfumed :  the  founded  of  un- 
derftandingtobe  tormented  in  mind:  the  richeft  ia 
treafures  to  be  fpoiled  in  an  houre.-  the  beft  inhealth 
to  be  delivered  to  many  and  ftrong  deaths,  not  fea- 
red or  fufpe&ed.  And  therefore  as  Damcles  when 
he  faw  nothing  but  his  golden  pots,  his  princely  and 

nwgnificcat 


magnificent  entertainment,   his  royall  attendants-^ 
thought  himfclfemoft  happy;  but  when  he  caft  up 
his  eyes  and  faw  a  naked  Avord  hanging  onely  by  a 
horfe  haire  ready  every  minute  to  fall  upon  his  head, 
then  he  began  to  tremble.     Even  fo  thefe  great  and 
graceletfe  men  of  the  world  ,  when  they  onely  re- 
fpe&  their  pomp,  they  think  there  are  none  like 
them.     But  when  they  looke  up  to  the  great  vault 
of  heaven,  and  fee  the  j-uft  God  ready  to  powre 
downe  his  vials  of  vengeance  on  them ,  then  they 
tremble.     Whereas  your  Lordfhips  humble  de- 
portment in  fuchfublimities,  digefting  great  felici- 
ty without  furfct  (a  rare  vertue  in  great  perfons) 
the  many  radiant  and  rcfplendent  gifts  and  graces, 
for  which  D.Hart,  and  M. Bolton,  and  others,  in 
their  Dedicatory  Epiftles ,  have  fpread  your  honour 
and  rcnowne,  yet  report  was  lcfTe  than  verity ,  re* 
nownefarre  fhortof  defert:  for  truth  doth  out-ftrip 
fame ,  and  many  other  I  would  name,  were  I  not  un- 
able to  fpcake  of  them  as  theydeferve,  and  in  what 
I  can  unworthy  .  and  did  I  not  know  how  averfc 
fuchpraifes  are  unto  yourHonoar,  accounting  per- 
fonall  commendations  of  living  great  ones,  in  men 
of  our  fort,  a  verball  fimony,  eternize  your  memory, 
andmakeyoubleffed  to  alleternity. 

Secoadly ,  Not  only  becaufe  of  your  Lordfhips 
noble  Patronage  of  all  good  lea rning,fo  far  forth  as 
to  be  abountifullandperpetuallbenefa&ourtothc 
breeding  and  training  up  of  fchollers  in  good  litera- 
ture, in  a  free  and  bountif  ull  beftowing  of  Church-li* 
yingsinyour  Lordfhips  Patronage,butalfo  infhew- 
ing  Angular  regard  and  refpc<3  to  the  Miniftexs  of  the 

Lord^ 


THh    EPISTLE 

Lord,  efpecially  tofuch  whoaremofl  painfulland 
induftriousinthe  Cburchof  God. 

Thirdly .,  Not  onely  becaufe  of  your  Honours 
prefence  at  the  preaching  of  many  o'f  thefe  Ser- 
mons in  our  Le<3ure  much  countenanced  and  en- 
couraged by  your  Lordfhips  not  onely  often,  but 
iifualland  ordinary  frequenting  the  fame, 

Tourthly,  Not  onely  becaufe  of  your  Lordfhips 
ingenuity,  who  will  cover  fuch  flips  and  miftakings 
which  may  be  in  this  as  in  other  mens  Bookes,  your 
Honour  well  knowing  that  an  errourat  thepreffeis 
no  calumniation  in  the  Aut  hour. 

Fiftly ,  But  alfo  becaufe  I  owe  my  felfe  and  mine 
wraoft  abilities  to  do  your  Lordfhip  honour  and 
fervice ,  for  what  I  have  and  do  enjoy.  Might  I 
therefore  be  fo  happy  as  to  honour  and  renowne 
your  Lord/hip,  or  ftirrc  up  fome  of  your  farre 
more  able  Chaplaines  ( for  not  fo  much  is  requi- 
red of  a  little  weaketreeas  of  a  great  andftrong)  to 
do  the  fame.  If  your  Lordihip  be  pkafed  to  eafl: 
a  favourable  afpeft  upon  thefe  my  poore,  yet  paine- 
full  endeavours :  May  I  be  an  inftrument  to  bene- 
fit, although  but  a  few ,  and  bring  glory  to  God, 
which  eught  to  be  the  end  of -all  endss  I  have  the 
chiefcfl  of  my  aimes  and  defires. 

Thus  leaving  the  fucceffc  of  thefe  ray  labori- 
ous endeavours  to  the  Almighty,  with  my  hearti- 
eft  prayers-  to  God  the  Giver  of  all  good  ,  That 
as  your  love  towards  God  doth  increafe,  foGods 
love  towards  your  Honour  may  iacreafe  alfo  :  So 
that  the  beft  bkffings  may  ever  reft  upon  your 
Honours  Perfon,  your  honourable  Lady ,  on  your 

noble 


i 


DEDICATORIE. 

noble  OfF-fpring,  whole  family ,  and  all  your  af- 
faires, to  your  cverlafting honour  in  this  life,  and 
cternail  happincfle  in  the  life  to  come,  I  humbly 
take  my  leave,  and  reft, 


Tour  Lordjbips  chiphine 
in  all  hu mbkftr vicc^j7 , 


loJSPH      Bl»THill< 


To  the  Chriftian  Reader. 

Ourttotts  Reader,  good  men  have  a  notable 
hap  andhappineffe  to  be  borne  in  one  age  ra- 
ther than  another:  We  in  this,  wherein 
I  wee  enjoy  extraordinary  plenty  of  profi- 
table excellent  meancs  of  knowledge ,  by 
Pen  and  Preaching ,  in  Prejfe  and  Pul- 
pit :  Teafi  many  and  fuch,  that  I  had  not  any  inten- 
tion to  adventure  in  this  kinde,  untiS  by  my  betters  encou- 
ragement I  published  aTreatife  of  the  Societie  of  Saints, 
the  approbation  of  which  with  judicious  men,  who  perufed 
the  fame,  hath  oc  caponed  and  animated  me  to  fecond  the 
fame  with  this  of  the  Chriftian  Conflict.  In  which  had 
Imedledmth  none, or  onely  meanemen,  I  could  not  butex- 
feft  rajh  and  uncharitable  ccnfnrers,ftncc  vertuoiu  men{al- 
though  mtnftudious  ofvertue)  c*n  fcarce  find  one  hand  to 
further  them  in  workings  yet  commonly  have  often  a  mul- 
titude qfevill  tongues  tofteakc  dgainft  their  honeft  doings: 
much  more  addrefing  my  felfe  not  onely  again [t  Antino- 
mifts  a  lawleffe  and  licentious  kind  of  evd^eakersjbut  al- 
fo  again]}  ufurers  and  depopulates  the  devourers  of  our 
common-wealthy  and  other  fuch  like  disorderly  dealers, 
which  fwarme  in  and  (wallow  up  our  common-  wealth  •  can- 
not hike  to  eft  Apt  the  four  ge  of  tongues*  But,  thobeflis,! 
&m  as  UttUambitioHS  tffuch  mens  good  word,  as  guilty  of 
their  bad :  and  I  had  rather  be  difpraifed  for  true  f peak- 
ing%  than  honoured  for  lying(*lthough  I  know  themoft  had 

rather 


To  the  R6ad^     *     :>r 

rather  be  commended  with  lies^th^n  toprovtdvAtktruth^ 
being  perfvoaded  that  he  in  heart  hath  no  true.Jvtcerijty^ 
which  keeps  his  mouth  /but  to  remove  vice.  Maty.  of\hff& ' 
j  encounter  \9ithbxvtfaire  andplauftbte  pritoncesi  mtpjtj. 
that  mcancs  they  are  the  more  pernicious,  ^fpwkfcjtrrt 
may  be  coveted  wilds  a  fake  cloth,  * andfmaskedmeantig  *Dumgrafi©r 
doth  more  harme  thanhare-facd  errour.  I  know  it  is  a  hard  /it  &  magii 
matter  to  make  them  fee  any  thing,which  have  refolvidbe-  ™*£P£m 
fore  hand  to  clofe  their  eyes :  that  none  are  fo  blind  as  thej  taju  obumbra. 
who  will  not  fee  i  that  no  paradox  is.foflrange  but  fome  ta  T!J^m,n<- 
fhilofopher  rtiU  undertake  to  defend  in  novice fofoule,but  u\,;^T* 
it  will  have  fome  refuge  ofapologie  to  maintains  it  for  good: 
yet  wiUlfpeake  the  truth,  not.  caring  if  they  who  brow-beat 
authority  and  antiquity  t  backbite  me.    Perhaps  fomt  wiS 
dijparageme  to  discredit  the  bookc V  iffo,lfball  notmar^ 
<ve/l$  ftnceasvtrtue,  riches,  honour, &c.fo putting  of  books 
topre(fe,  is  but  a  brand  to  light  envy  to  the  world,  and  ma- 
lice leaves  nothing  unfearched that  may  nourijb  the  ve* 
nime  of  the  humour.  For  myfclft*  as  Hm  a  man,  fo  have 
J  written  it  for  men,  and  as  a  mam  I  may  have  erred :  Fory 
there  is  mtfoperfeU  a  painter,  but  another  wit  prefume  t* 
amendbis worker  neither  is  any  man  fo  fuft  or  cleare  of 
judgement, that doth never jhew him felfe  fraile;  efpecial- 
ly  in  matters  which  construe  bis  owne  inter  eft.  'But  this  is 
my  comfort,  it  is  better  to  erre  ignorant ly  out  of  a  welt-difpo- 
fed  charity, than  peremptorily  toaffrmeany  thing  out  of  an 
ungrounded obftinacy.  And of 'thee  letmtintreat  tbiscenr- 
ttfie,  not  to  impute  the  Printers  faults  unto  mo ,  nor  to  let 
an  over  fight  or  flip  in  me,  if  any  fuch  thou  efpicjt,  prejudice 
the  matter.  %Jdgood  letter fhould  be  nothing  leffe  efteemei 
bee  an  ft  written  with  an  eviipen,  neither  doth  an  angeB  of 
gold  ceafefoto  be,  wanting  a  graine%  which  is  allowed  to 

make 


To  the  Reader. 

make  it  currant*  For  my  fart  {in  this  unhappy  age  which 
overfloweth  with  numbers  of  malignant  ffirits)  1  am  per- 
[waded  that  the  be/l  tour fe  is(4nd[dl  do  endeavour)threugb 
the  grace  and goodnejfe  of  God,  to  Air  eft  our  courfein  (tsch 
fort  y  as  evilLmvnded  men  may  rather  pew  thar  will 
through  malice y  than  with  )uH  tauftby  defer t  (a)  evilly  or 
deface  byfpeecb  or  writing*  In  this  booked  have  thfervei 
the  fame  method  and  order  as  in  my  former^  with  Tables  ^ 
Chapters  y  and  bare  guotitions  of  Scriptures  ..without 
words  generally  y  that  it  might  net  be  too  voluminous  i  and 
uponthe  advifiofagodly^  learned  and  judicious  Divine 
wboferufed  my  copie,  I  have  left  our  the  words  cfaSedged 
K^iuthoursy  taking  onely  tht  meanings  and referring  them 
to  the  places  that  plea fe  to  examine  them ,to  keepe  downe  the 
bulk  andbignejfeofthebooke.  x^otd  thus  good  Chriflian 
Reader  i  hoping  thou  wilt  take  in  good  part  that  which  with 
no  littlepaines  I  have  penned  for  publtkc  good*  I  commend 
thee  to  Gedandtht  WQrdofhisgrace^sndremaine 


■ 
Thine  iahha  who  is  the  Loud  of  all* 


I  O  S  £  P  H      BlMTHAUi 


The  Qontents  and  Method  of  the 
enfuing  Treatife, 

Chap.  L 

SHeweth  the  drift  and  occafioft  of  this  difcourfe. 
Page 
Chap,  II.   DtilA. 
That  Chriftianity  is  a  warfare,  proved  and  confirmed 
with  Scriptureand  reafbns.  5 

Chap.  HI.  D0EI.2. 
That  Chriftianity  is  a  good  warfare,and  in  what  regards  it 
is  fo.  1  o 

Chap.  1 1 II.  *£>*#.$, 
This  good  Warfare  rauft  be  fought,and  why,  1 1 

Chap.  V  Vfa. 
St8,\.  Shewing  the  errour  of  thofe  tfho  thinke  Chrifti- 
anity to  be  eafie.  *4 
Scft.2^  Shewing  the  errour  of  thofe  who  thinke  earthly 
contentments  their  chiefeft  glory.                             26 
SeQ.j .  Shewing  the  errour  of  thofe  who  condemne  Chri- 
stianity becaulq  of  fame  difcords.                              1 7 
S/tf.4.  Shewingtfie  errour  of  tnofewho'fiibmic  to  Satan, 
and  bppofe  goodnefle  and  piety.                               19 
Chap. VI.  *Z>*r;.T. 
Sett.  1,  Chriftian'fouldiers muft endure hardnefle.         *z 
Stft.2.  '^Motive  1,  Dfawne  from  the  examples  of  particu- 
lar fouldiersintnis  warfare  fronvthe  Church  in  gjsnerall, 
aiid  Chrift  our  Captaine.                                          *3 
Se&.i.  M§t.i.  Drawnc  from  the  prefcnt  conditiqivof 
Chriftian  fouldicrt.                                             3* 


The  Contents. 
their  fervants  and  why.  51 1 

SeSl.S.  Againft  Depopulators  andlnclofcrs,  (hewing  the 
hurt  and  harms  they  do  to  themfelves  and  others.     3  1 7 

SeU.y.  Againft  greedy  in^roflers  of  commodities,  hurters 
of  the  Common- wealth.  527 

5<r#.io.  Againft  thole  who  have  no  la  wfull  calling.    328 

Sett. 1 I.  Againft  Vfor-ers condemned  by  1  Fathers. 2  Coun- 
cells.g  Lawes.4  Their  owne  pretended  patrons.  5  Reli- 
gions of  all  forts.  6  And  facred  Scripture  in  the  Old  and 
New  Teftament.  1 5  Objedions  anfwered,  and  divers 
diflwafives  from  this  fin.  3  29 

Se&.  1 2.  Againft  changers  of-  Callings  unwarrantably,  as  to 
leave  trades  to  turne  Maulfters,  How  change  is  lawfall, 
how  not.  360 


CoutteousReader,  pardon  I  pray  f.rolkr  faults  efcape  J, 
and  amend  thcfc  greater  a.  following. 

Marginall  faults. 
r.«**<p.J44-r-Tno- 


I'Chri/iianity  u  a  tear-* 

fare..pag.  % 

\  2.  Chrift Unity  u  agooj 
Warfare.  I0#1 

anne  J$.  Chnftianity  k  am 
eejfary warfare,    u. 


'Therefore  < 


(ri-Tfoytohothinteita» 
eafie  mattcrto  bee  a 
Cbrifiian,    and  cer- 
tain* others  deceive 
|      them/elves.  ,  4. 

j  2.  Christians  mufi  en* 
I      dure  bar dnejfe.    22. 
'  *•  Chrifiiansmufi  bee 
armed.  6f, 

4.    They    ftould    beg 
Pr°*g'  149. 

f«  Theyjhouldbe  cou- 

6 -  They  mufi tabbed 

7-  Tvcymufthiratcb- 
laft-  184. 

8.  They  are  1 9  pray  for 
helpe.  ^0$. 

9-  Thy  muff  fafi  and 
fgbt:  26u 

yO'Theynuji  follor* 
J  Chrifis  dire  ft  tens  &» 
I  ftandin  fueh  fictions 
{  hefetsthem  in,  z7g 
.  1.  Not 
thruftmen 
outo  their 


I 


.  /landings 


'   ** 


1  -2)^ 

eulators 

3*7* 
?•    In- 

Igvojfirg 

122. 

Not -want  lav* full 
callings  as  Vfurers 

kt      ■  ^9* 

.  N or  unwarranta- 
bly for  fa\e  them  as 
divers.  -$6o. 


THE 

CHRISTIAN 

CONFLICT: 

A  Treatis  e, Shewing  the  Na- 
ture, together  with  the  Difficulties 

and  Dignity  therof,and  the  Motives  to  encou- 
rage Christians  to  undertake  chis  Warfare, 

I.TIM.  I.  XVIII. 

That  thou  by  them  migbe'tt  loarrc  a  good  war  far  el 

Chap.  I. 
Shaving  the  drift  And  tccafion  of  thU  Difcturfe, 

L<flM>%&  <ffi  He  life  militant,  fpirituall,or  temporall,  in  for- 
mer times  was  neither  difdained,nor  dreaded: 
The  Ie vves  went  voluntarily  tathc  ba.ttel^thc 
quarrellous  Ephraimkes  contended  with  fepb-  Iu<*g  1 2.  r , 
SH^^SI  M,becau(c  he  did  not  call  them  to  figbtiagainft  t  Sam  j 
the  children  of  t^mmom  The  three  eldeftfonnes  of  fyf*fol-  froLpti 
lowed  Sa.nl  to  the  battcll.    Our  predeccjfonrs  (faith  Den  prcl" 

B  Ant  on  j 


i  Tfo  Chrifihn  Cotfitf.  Ch  At •!• 

Antony  ofGuevaraJ  fought  in  the  field  with  their  laHuces,  but 
young  men  now  a  day  es  fight  at  the  table  with  their  tongues, 
Pythias  the  Lydian,  when  be  had  feaftcd  Xerxes  and  his 
'  whole  Army  with  great  magnificence,  profered  moreovcrto 
give  him  treafure,  not  onelyforprovifion,  but  alio  for  wa- 
ges, to  have  his  fonne  difcharged  of  the  warres  ;  which  was 
fo  difpleafantly  taken  of  Xerxesy  that  he  caufed  thcyoang 
man  in  his  fathers  fight  to  be  cut  in  peeces.  Kings  and  Princes 
were  rot  backward  to  adventure  themfelves  to  fight:  Wit- 
neffe the  many  Kings  of  Canaan  againft  lofkua  :  Witneffe  the 
two  and  thirty  Kings  with  Beuhadad,  iKing.io.i6/  Wit- 
ncfth'David,  lehff&aphaty&c.  Witneffe  our  owneand  for* 
raine  biiloricall  narrations. 

In  like  manner  the  Primitive  Chriftians  (as  Ecelefiafticall 
Hiftories  report)  of  their  owne  accord  did  thruft  themfelves 
into  the  hotteft  brunts  of  the  Chriftian  fight  and  combat, 
where  they  werefure  to  meet  with  bitter ,  yet  honourable 
martyrdome.  To  name  but  one  of  many  :  Luc  im  a  by-ftan- 
HUfU  ECC!'  ^cr  ^c^°^inS  tne  cruc^  dealing  of  Vrbicius ,  faid;  Whati* 
gg  ^  ' 1 7'  *&*  caufe  1  pray  that  thou  eommandefl  nen  to  bee  put  to 
death  9.not  for  adultery ,  mi/leading  or  murder,  but  onelyfor  be- 
ing Chriflians  ?  Thefe  things  do  not  befeeme  an  Emperour4 
Vrbicius  anfwering  ,  and  thou  feemetl  to  be  a  Chrifiian : 
When  Lucius  had  replied^  lam  indeed  :  Vrbicius  commanded 
himalfpto  be  put  to  death :  to  whom  Lucius  fdid9  Ithanlee  thee 
fir  releafng  me  from  moft  wicked  mafiers,  and  fending  me  to 
£W,  a  good  And  the  be  ft  Father  and  King  of  all,   . 

Yea  in  fuch  honourable  repute  was  the  martiall  man,that  all 

or  meft  of  the  titles  of  honour  had  their  originall  from  the 

TtuxdJucenJo.  field  :  W  itneffe  the  titl e  of  Dulles. For  their  valour  in  leading; 

Mauhio,  or      Qf  cMarqueffe  from  defending,  fome  boundsjind  frontiers : 

.  frafui-Umitar   Qf  BaronSi  for  bdng  ^  ftrengtfc  0f the  warre :  witneffe  the 

!  Xat  Bradon.  title  of  Kuifbtfigmfy  ing  a  fouldier :  oCZaronet  or  Vsnrettc, 

I  lib.  i.cap.  1.    '  becaufc  his  father  was  dubbed  in  the  field  under  a  banner :  Of 

Miles.  JEfquire,  for  being  an  Armour-bearer  to  a  Knight:   Of  Gem* 

Armiger.         tlemanfov  puiffance  and  courage.  And  witneffe  mens  Armes, 

Zrm*™'       S^$  had'their  beginning  from  bearing  armes  inthe  field. 


Of  a*  .  I :  The  ChrijlUn  C$KJba.  3 

And  of  fuch  honourable efteeme  likewife  was  the  Chriftian  There  ms  n6 
warfare,  that  the  glorious  names  of  Chriftian,  Church  Mi-  won*  r°  Sr,(> 
litant,  Proteftant,  &c.  had  their  birth  and  beginning  from  the  ^waCuT 
pious  courage  of  the  Chriftian  fbuldier.    Times  were  once  zen   0fRQme 
thus,  but  now  alas,  as  in  the  former  moft  men  are  defirous  ofj  in  ancient  time 
and  applaud  themfelves  in  the  warriours  honourable  titles,  of  as  to  fay,gOj 
Duke,  Baron,  Knight,  Efquire,  Gentleman:  In  bearing  their  thou  Inftne- 
fore-fathers  armes  worthily  given  them  for  their  valour  in  [^ou^hTup  in 
the  field,  and  to  be  pictured  like  fotildiers  in  harneffe  when  t",  yvarresf 
tbeyaredead.    Yet  partly  inregard  of  the  little  refpec'tthe  <dm.u.u 
fouldierhath,  by  meanesofour  long  peaceful  fecurity;  and 
the  many  diibrders  and  outrages  a&ed  by  that  profefTion, 
(which  cannot  probably  be  othcrwifc,  whiles  election  of  men 
for  warre  is  u(ed  as  a  dreyne  to  vent  away  the  refute  and  di(- 
ordered  people)  partly  in  regard  of  mens  womanifluffemi- 
natenefle,  they  have  infufed  into  themfelves,  by  their  nice  and 
wanton  education ;  the  fouldiers  magnanimous  actions  find 
few  loving  couragious  prs&icers  ;  manydifdaining,  others 
dreading  their  condition ,  accempanyed  with  great  labour, 
much  danger,  many  miferics,  and  fmall  efteeme.    Even  fo  in 
tke  latter,  although  thegreatcft  numoer  of  people,  yea  all 
which  live  within  the  verge  and  pale  of  the  Church,  are  gree- 
dy of,  and  glory  in  the  honourable  names  of  Chriftian,  Catho- 
like,  Proteftant,  &c.    Yet  partly  in  regard  of  the'bafeefti- 
mate  of  the  beft,  and  braveft,  a«d  moft  forward  fpirits :  part- 
ly in  regard  of  the  many  enormous,  and  unordcrly  deeds  of 
diverfe  p  rofe  flours  :   and  in  regard  of  mens  owne  backe- 
wardnefle  to  any  good ,  the  Chriftian  fouldiers  pradifes 
finde  few  favourers,  but  many  who  fcorne  sni  flee  from 
teem ,  they  being  attended  with  little  regard ,  and  much 
reproach. 

Concerning  the  former,  I  ceafetofay  any  more,  leaving  k 
to  them  whom  itconcerrcsro  worke  out  of  people  this  in- 
bred cowardize,  to  infufe  into  them  courage  for  Gods  and 
their  Countreyes  caufe,  and  ro  reftore  the  martiall  mens 
efteeme  (by  better  choice,  dilcipline  and  countenance)  to 
its  priftine  repute,  thefe  being  a  defence  to  our  lives  and 

E  a  livings* 


4  Ike  chrifiUn  ConflM.  C h  a  p  .  r . 

livings.  But  as  for  the  latter,  I  having  a  calling  to  meddle  m 
the  ipirituall  battel),  not  onelyas  aChriftian,  but  more  than 
fo  ;  will  do  mine  endeavour  to  ejscT:  faint-hearted  pufillani- 
mityout  of  the  hearts  of  Chriftian  fouldiers,  and  to  animate, 
and  encourage  them  to  wage  warre  agairrfV  all  the  malignant 
enemies  of  Chrift  Iefus  with  valorous  magnanimity :  toin- 
dure  with  patient  fortitude  the  bitter  conftifts  of  the  grand  e- 
nemy  Satan,  and  the  hcllifh  excurfions  of  the  Serpents  fide,  to 
trample  under  foot  with  a  holv  difdain  the  taunting  reproche* 
and  bafe  ufagesof  wicked neffe,  and  to  march  vi<5toricufly, 
maugre  Satan  and  his  co-ad  jurors,  through  the  oppofite  pyket 
ofoppugning  temptations,  and  the  utmoft  villanies  of  hcllifh 
agents.  By  giving  them  a  fight  of  their  enemies  Heights  and 
fedulity,  yet  weakneflfe  :  intruding  them  in  the  true  Chrifti- 
anwarlike  discipline :  and  ennobling  this  fo  much  contem* 
ned  condition, 

For  this  caufe  I  have  fele&ed  this  portion  of  Scripture,  as 
the  ground-worke  whereupon  to  build  the  following  dif- 
courfe  of  the  properties  and  prerogatives,  the  graces  and  glo- 
ry, the  fervicc  and  folace*  the  furniture  and  felicity  of  the 
fouldiersofthcLordlefus.  That  thou  by  them  maifi  warre* 
good  warfare. 

Which  words  containe  a  charge  and  commiflion  of  warre 
given  by  the  Apoftie  S,Pani punctually  and  perfonally  to  Tit 
mothyzs  aPaftour,  fotoall  Gods  meffengers  and  Minifters, 
likewift  as  a  Chriftian  and  confequently  to  true  believers^ 
name'y  to  warre  a  good  warfare.  In  which  generall  ienkl 
intend  to  inlarge  my  felfe  to  all  forts  of  perfons,  and  occafio- 
ually  onely  to  fpeak  of  the  fpeciall. 

i.  Thedutyenjoynedistofightorw^rrr. 

3.  The  condition  or  kind  of  this  conflict,  a  good  warfare. 

3..  The  means  wherby  this  good  warfare  is  fought,^/  them. 

Chap. 


Chap.  II. 

Chriflianitj  u  4  warfare^ 

CHriftianity  is  a  warfare,  wherein  trie  Chriftian  doth  (as  j)0ft%<p 
he  ought  of  duty)  warre  a  good  warfare  :  i  Cor.  i  o,  3 ,4. 
<Fer  thouqh  we  walk*  in  the  fle{h>  we  do  not  warre*fterthtfleft% 
for  the  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal}  ficc.  Eph,  6, 1 1 , 
I  2.  Put  j oh  on  the  whole  armour  ofGod^  for  we  rvreftle  not  4- 
gainflJlejhandbloudybutagainfly8cc.  *Tim.*3.  Thorn  there •- 
fore  as  a  good  fouldur  of  Chrifi.  zTim.q.j.  J  have  fonghta 
good  fight.  Hehr.  10.  32.  Fight  of  afflictions.    I  Tim.  6. 1 2. 
Good  fight  of  faith.    Or  if  you  pleafe,  I  will  divide  this  into 
three  branches.   Chriftiaoityisawarfare.  2  Cor.  10.3.  Eph, 
6.  II,  12. 

Thofe  whofe  condition,  calling  and  profeffion  is  to  fight  ,  * 
againft  the  enemies  of  Chrift  and  his  Church,  their  life  is  a  Keaf'l° 
warfare,  and  they  are  fouldiers. 

But  the  condition,  calling  and  profeiTion  of  Chriftians  is  to 
fight  againft  the  enemies  of  Chrift  and  bis  Church. 

Therefore  'the  life  of  Christians  is  a  warfare ,  and  they  arc 
fouldiers. 

The  latter  propofition  is  evident  by  the  many  facred  injun- 
ctions in  holy  writ,  to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  1  Tim.  6. 
12.  1 7"<»,  2.3,e£r.  By  the  examples  of  Gods  Saints  in  all 
ages :  Adam  foyled  in  Paradife:  lob  tempted  and  tryed  by  the 
utmoft  of  Satans  cruelties ;  Peter  winnowed  ;  Paul  buffeted, 
and  fighting  a  good  fight.  And  by  the  admittance  of*  Chrifti- 
ans  into  the  Church  by  baptifme,  wherein  they  receive  as  it 
*were  prefle-morey,  andpromife  manfully  to  fight  under  trie 
'  banner  of  Chrift  crucified,  againft  finne,  the  world  and  the  Dt- 
k.  veil,  and  to  continue  Chrifts  faithfull  fcrvants  and  fouldiers  to 
their  lives  end. 

Thofe  whofe  Lord  is  a  Lord  of  hofts,  fouldiers  and  armies^  % 

thcmfelves  being  part  of  his  hoft  and  army,  muft  needs  be 
fonldiers,  and  their  life  a  warfare : 

B-3  „  But 


But  the  Lord  of  Chriftians  is  a  Lord  of  hofts,  fouldiers  and 
armies,  themfelves  being  part  of  his  boil,  Pfel.to. 4*7,14,1 9. 
84.1,5,8,12. 

Therefore  they  muft  needs  be  fouldiers,  and  their  life  a 
warfare. 

That  which  agreeth  with  warfare  in  all  refpe&s ,  is  a 
warfare. 

But  Chriftianity  agreeth  with  warfare  inall  refpe&s.f  Be- 
caufe  as  in  warfare,fo  in  this, 

1.  There  is  a  place  of  conflict,  namely  the  Chriltiaa 
Church  Militant  in  this  world,  Rev.  1 2. 7.  There  was  rvarre  in 
heaven.  Not  in  that  third  and  higheft  heaven,  where  God 
dwelleth  and  raigneth,  the  feat  and  manfion  of  bleiTed  Angels 
and  godly  men;  for  there  is  no  fighting,  but  all  peace:  and 
the  Dragon  was  caft  from  thence  in  the  beginning.  But.in 
the  vifible  Church,  the  heaven  upon  earth  1  called  heaven,  it 
being  a  lively  picture  and  image  of  heaven,  the  habitation  of 
glorified  Saints. 

2.  There  are  enemies  to  fight.  For,  fincc  the  fall  of  An- 
gels ,  1 .  There  have  beebe,  and  while  the  world  (lands  there 
will  be  two  fides  in  the  Church  militant,  the  feed  of  the  wo- 
man, and  the  ferpents;  twixt  which  there  is  confknt  enmity, 
§**•  3  •  1 5  •  Michael  and  the  Dragon  who  are  alwayes  in  com- 
bating, Re  v.  1 2.7.  The  Spirit  and  the  fiefli,  'twixt  which  there 
is  an  irreconciliab!e  jarre  and  contrariety,  6V.6.7*  God  and 
Mammon,  both  which  none  can  ferveand  obey,  AUtthtfji^. 
3.  And  the  true  Church  upon  earth  hath  alwaieshad*  and 
(hall  alwaies  haveadverfaries  and  enemies.  They  not  being 
of  the  world,  Iohn  5. 19  They  being  chofen  out  of  the 
world,  hhn  5. 19.  They  reproving  the  world,  teftifying  that 
the  deeds  thereof  are  evil],  hhn  7.7,  They  being  the  womans 
feed,and  borne  after  the  Spirit. 

3.  There  are  Generals,  Captainesand  Commanders,  un- 
der whofe  condncl  and  guidance,  at  whofe  appointment  and 
for  whofe  fake  the  fouldiers  fight. 

Firfr,  the  Chriftians  Generals  and  Commanders  are 
x.  God  the  Father,  who  is  therefore  called  ufually  in 

Scripture*, 


Chap.  2.  TheCbtijti4nC$r,Jlidi.  7 

Scripture,  a  Lord  of  hods,  beciufc  all  creatures  are  under 
his  power  and  difpofition,  as  an  hoft  of  foul  diets  under 
their  Emperour.  By  him  we  pull  down  ftrong  holds,  ex- 
alting againftGod,  2fir%  10, 4,  £.  And  with  his  armour 
,  \ve  fight,  £>£  6.11,13 

2.  Chrift  Iefus  who  h  their  couragious  Captaine, 2  fir. 
I  o.  5 .  to  the  obedience  of  Chrifi.  2  Tim.  1.3.  As  a  goodfonl- 
dier  of  Chrift.  Rev.  127.  Michael \  .i.  Chrift  Ieitis  that 
ftrong  and  mighty  Prince  and  Captaine  of  the  hoft  of  God, 

Secondly,  the  enemies  prime  leader  and  commander  is  the 
T>lve\],  lam.+.j.  Reps? tht'DiveH.  Rev.ii.-j.  The  Dragon 
fought  and  his  angels :  J.  The  Divell  (likened  to  a  Dragon  in 
regard  of  his  terrible  fiercenefTe)  who  is  the  prince  of  that  ar- 
my which  maintaineth  warre  againftChrift ,  Rev.10.2.  The 
Dragon  which  u  the  DivcR.  As  for  the  king  of  thofe  dreadfull 
and  hcllifh  locufts,  the  angels  of  the  bottomleffe  pit,  Rev.  9 . 
1 1.  the monftrous prevailing beaft,/toM$.  1, 2%  they  are  but 
theDivels  fubftitutes. 

4.  There  are  ordinary  fouldiers  in  each  band,namely  every 
Saint,every  widcedone:  there  are  herfmen  and  chariots  of 
each  (Idc :  namely, 

1.  Able  and  faithfitll  Magiftrates  and  Minifters ;  who  like 
valiant  horimen  and  commanders  put  themfelves  in  danger, 
firft  running  upon  the  pikes  to  rout  the  enemies  and  break 
their  ranks  ;  to  refcue  and  deliver,  to  fave  and  defend  Gods 
people,  are  worthily  called  the  chariots  and  horfmen  ofl{rae/f 
tKing.2.%2. 

2.  And  all  true  profeflburs  which  are  faithfull  family-go- 
vernours,  who  (like  inferiour  officcrs)are  helpers  to  the  fore- 
named,  Rom.  1 6.9.    1  Cor.  \6.\6. 

1 .  With  their  prayers  (  Epbef.  6. 1 8, 1 9.  Trdjt  for  all 
Saints  and  for  me*  \  Tim. 2.  1,3.  *P  raj  for  Kings  and  all 
all  that  are  in  authority  )  in  their  Magiftracy  and  Mini- 
ilcry. 

2.  With  their  purfes  in  their  maintenance,  Rom*  16. 
3,6.' 

64  3.  With 


6  mikteLimjttanLonpct.  v-hap.2. 

?.  With  their  paines  in  preparing  and  fitting  their  fa- 
milies. 

4,  With  their  advife  and  counfell,  converfation  and  good 
example  among  their  neighbours  and  families. 

So  on  the  contrary, 

I.  Wicked  Magnates,  who  by 

1.  Impurity  incouragc  offenders  in  mifchiefe,  ma- 
king oft  kingdomes  thereby  gs»tl:y  of  crying  crimfon 
fimes. 

2.  Which  condemne  the  harmeleife  innocent  con- 
trary to  charity,  julticc,  the  good  of  the  common- 
wealth, and  God  himfclfe. 

3.  Andneglecltorcfcuetbe  gjiltleffe  perfon  out  of  the 
clavves  of  the  mighty ,  it  being  in  their  power  10  lave 
them.  * 

a.  Wicked  Miniftcrs,  w!  o  by  their 

1.  Pining,  caufc  Gods  people  to  perifli  for  want  of 
knowledgc,Pr<M9  iS.Hof^6. 

*.  Poyfonirg,  making  men  twofold  more  the  children 
of  hell  by  their  endeavours,  Mat.2$.i  c. 

?..  Neglecling  to  ffce w  men  the  prefent  danger  of  their 
finfull condition,  E^t^^6. 

4.  Evill  counfell  and  bad  example. 
g.  Wicked  family-govemours, 

1.  Who  by  hurting  and  hindering  Gods  faithfully 
sifters, 

2  Who  by  bad  counfell  and  lewd  example, 
3.  And  negligence  in inftrufting their  families,  Glad 
the  bad ,  make  fad  the  good,  difobey  the  Lord  of  life,fervc 
she  Prince  of  darkneffe,  damme  up  the  current  of  found 
profeffion,/aving  practice  and  knowledge  :  And  open 
the  flood-gates  of  iniquity  to  run  amaitie  with  reftleffe 
ftreames  and  dre?dftill  overflowings ;  (hew  themfelves 
peripicuoufly  to  be  the  chariots  and  horfemen,  that  is,  the 
captaines  and  chiefe  ftrength  of  the  arch-enemy  to  the 
Lord  of  glory. 

;.  As  in  warfare,  fo  in  Chriftlanity  there  is  a  com- 

pleat 


pleat  armour  for  the  Chriftian  fouldier,  Ephefians  6*.  ir, 
12.  Oiled  the  tsfrmour  of  God,  Ephejians  6.  n.  Of 
light ,  Romans  13.  12.  Of  rijrhteoafnejfc ,  tfirinth.6.j. 
.And  weapons  defenfive  and  orfenfive :  %  Corinth.  10.  3. 
JW  *£*  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  car  nail ,  but  might y 
through  god  to  the  pulling  downe  of  firong  holds.  Neither 
is  the  oppofite  faclion  wanting  of  weapons  of  nnrighteouf- 
fieflc  and  darkeneffe,  Romans  6.  ia.  which  the  othc*  have 
caftcfF. 

6.  As  in  a  warfare  the  truly  valourous  and  faith  full  foul- 
dier hath  or  ought  to  have  an  honourable  reward ,  and 
renowned  repute  as  a  requiting  remuneration  requifite  for 
his  loyall,  laudable,  and  laborious  feduliry  and  fervices, 
conflicts  and  conquefts :  But  the  pernicious  and  perfidi- 
ous traytour,  who  by  bale  and  unworthy  cowardize,  bri- 
berie,  or  the  like,  betrayes  his  caure,  andcountrey,  con- 
digne  punilhment.  Even  ib  the  truly, valiant  inagnanimoui 
Chriftian  fou'dier ,  coura^ious  and  confiant  for  his  God 
and  Chrift,  their  Gofpel.  and  caufc,  andhisownc  confei- 
ence,  (hall  be  rewarded  with  a  crowne  of  rigbteoufneffe, 
%Timotb>  4.  7,  %.  I  h*ve  fought  4  good  fight, hence- 
forth there  is  laid  up  for  mee  a  crowne  of  righteoufnejft^ 
which  the  LORD  the  righteous  Fudge  {hall  give  mee  at 
that  day ,  &c.  But  the  halting  treacherous  hypocrite ,  the 
downeright  prophane  wretch ,  yea  every  one  who  is  a- 
gainft  the  Lord  and  his  Chrilt ,  with  the  Divell  that  de- 
ceived them ,  (hall  bee  caft  into  the  lake  of  fire  and  brim- 
ftone,  and  tormented  (or  ever  and  ever,  Rcvtlatton  to.x o. 


Gv*fl 


*  ™  *  wjTiAn  conflict .  ^  h  a  p .  5 , 

Chap.    III. 

Chriftianity  u  a  goo  A  warfare. 

CHriftianity  is  a  good  warfare,  1  Tim.  6,  ii.  Fight  the 
good  fight  of  faith.  2  Tim.  4.7.   1  have  fought  *  good 

hht- 

That  warfare  which  is  with  a  good  warrant,  for  a  good 
caufe,  after  a  good  manner,  and  for  a  good  end  >  is  a  good 
warfare. 

But  Chriftianity  is  a  warfare,  which  is 

1.  With  a  good  warrant,  namely  Gods  ownecommifllon, 
lam.qrj.  Rep  ft  the  Dived. 

2,Foragoodcaufe;namely/ffr/^/^r^/«^g,  therefore 
called thcgtad fight  of  faith »,  1  Tim.6.  12.  To  obtain*  an  ineor- 
r»ptibU  crowne^  1  Cor.g.  25.  But  we  an  incorruptible.  To 
keepe  a  good  confidence  void  of  offence  to  god  and  men ',  Akls 
24  1 5.  To  pleafie  Chrift who  hath  chofen  us  to  be  fonldiers% 
lTim.t.4. 

3.  After  a  good  manner,  Not  after  the flefh,  although  they 
Jive  in  the  flefh,  2  Cor.  10.?.  Not  with  carnali  weaponry  3  Cor. 
-10.4.  7?utjpiritua8:  The  armour  of  God,  the  weapons  of 
righteoufnefle. 

4.  For  a  good  end ;  namely  toglorifie  God,7^  obtaine  the 
fatvation  which  id  in  Chrift  lefm  with  e t email  glory ,  2  Tim.Z* 
IO.  To  ft  and  in  the  evillday,  Eph.6.  13.  And  to  pull  downe 

'J}rong  holds -—exalting  themfelves  againft  the  knowledge  of 
Gody%Cor>iot^y$, 

That  warfare  which  is  the  Lords,  Chrifts,  the  Spirits,  An- 
gcls,aad  Saints,  againft  the  Divelljthe  world,the  flefh,and  fin, 
is  a  good  warfare. 

But  Chriftianity  is  a  warfare  which  is  the  Lords,&c.againft 
theDivell,&c. 

Therefore,  &c. 

That  warfare  which  is  good  in  the  five  following  refpe&s, 
is  a  good  warfare. 

But 


\^  h  A  p  .  4 .  Jve  unrtjitan  lovjuct*  j  i 

But  Chriftianity  is  a  good  warfare  in  thofe  refpefls, 

namely, 

i .  In  regard  of  the  Author  of  if,  who  is  that  God  which  is 

the  Author  of  all  good,  of  noeviil.    gen.  $.?  5.  It  was  he  who 

put  enmity  betvveene  the  womans  bleffed  feed,  and  the  fer- 

pents  curled  brcod,  and  that  in  paradiie. 

2.  In  regard  of  the  fouldicrs,  thefe  being  all  and  onely  the 
holy  ones  of  God  ;  thefe  alfo  fighting  well  the  Lords  battels 
in  the  general)  calHr.g  of  Chriftianity ,  and  in  their  perfonall 
and  particular  flat  ions. 

3.  In  oppofition  to  other  fights  5  they  being  terrene  and 
earthly,  this  fpirituall  and  heavenly. 

4.  In  regard  of  the  reward  of  this  combat:  namely,  the 
Lordlefu?,  Gods  favour,  heavens  kingdome,  and  eternall 
bliffe. 

5.  In  regard  of  the  matter  of  this  warfare:  It-is  againft  the 
kingdome  of  the  Divell  for  that  ofChrift,  and  hrsFatfier: 
It  is  againft  the  flefh,  that  unregeneratc  part  of  man,  which  is 
corrupt,vile,  andinfected  byfinne  :  Forthe  Spirit  that  new 
quality  of  holineffe  which  is  created  by  the  Spirit  in  the  hearts 
oftheelcd:  It  is  againft  the  kingdome.ef  death,  darkened, 
and  damnation,  for  heavens  kingdome,  of  life,  light  and 
falvation. 

Chat.    IV. 
Thii good  warfare  muft  hfattght. 

EVery  good  Chriftian  doth.and  mr.ft  of  neceffity  fight  this  - 

good  right,  or  warre  this  good  warfare.  \Dolt.  3  • 

The  Lord  of  hefts  vvhofe  we  are  and  whom  we  ferve,  al- 
though he  is  a  God  of  amity,  hath  put  fuch  perpetuall  enmity  RtrfA. 
betvveene  the  feed  of  the  woman  and  the  ferpents,  that  they 
fhall  ever  be  at  defiance,  and  ever  wage  warre  againft  each  o- 
ther  till  time  be  no  more.  This  our  God  fends  us  into  the 
field,  affords  us  all  warlike  neceffaries,  bids  us  be  ftrong,  and 
play  the  man ,  yeelds  us  bis  helping  hand ,  and  prornifeth 

crown*  s 


"  lw^nripiw^onjitu.  v.  ha  p.  4, 

crownes  to  thofethat  conquer.  Therefore  of  necefficy  we 
ought  to  fight. 

a.  The  nature  of  our  enemies  fhewes  the  truth  of  this: 
They  beare  an  irreconciliable  hatred  agrinft  all  mankind,efpe- 
cially  Chriftians.  To  inftance  only  in  the  priiicipall  and  grand 
enemy  the  Divpll :  whofe  inveterate  malice  againft  the  blefc 
fed  condition  of  the  Lords  precious  ones :  whofe  infatiable 
tbirfting  after  the  ruineand  perdition  of  all  mankind :  and 
whofe  inceflfant  unwearied  painfulnefle  to  devourc  ibules,  are 
plainely  and  plentifully  decyphered  and  defcribed  in  his  genu- 
ine and  proper  names  exprefTing  to  the  full  the  fame. 
The  Word  of  truth  cals  him  by  the  name  of 
1.  A  Dragon,  tf*tf.  1 2.7.  In  regard  of  his  terrible  fierce- 
neffe,  maintaining  warre  againft  the  Lord  Ieliis.    tAmongfl 

Tosi.i.  Horn.  Serpents  (faith  Saint  Chryfoftome)  what  u  more  fell  ercruell 

1  ],in  Mat.        than  a  Dragon  ?    AndofDragonS)  rshofo  ontragious  and  fierce 
as  the  great  red  Dragon  the  Divoll  f 

ru"  \\  r<Sr«v!rti       2m  An  °^  Serpent,  Rfv.i  2  a.  In  regard  of  his  wilineffe  and 

on  findiHg  o«  by  craft,furthered  by  the  experience  of  many  thoufand  yeares,and 

CKpeiicncc.        in  regard  of  his  venimous  fubtilty  exceeding  dangerous ,  and 
contrary  to  mankind. 

5.  A  lion,  yea  a'roaring  lion,  I  Pet^.  8.  The  Divellgoeth  • 
that  like  a  roaring  lion,  A  lion  is  a  beaft  excelling  others  in 
ftrength  and  courage,  full  of  violence  and  fierceneflTe,  given  to 
devoure  and  deftroy ,  therefore  called  in  Scripture  fometimes 

iT  hick  oF™    -A™^  »!- a  nearer,  renter  or  plucker,  Pfal.  7. 2 .  Left  he  teare 
m)  foule  [^Kearieh  J  like  a  lion* 

t^oh  of  zH  an         Labi,  .i.  couragious,  valiant,  P/*/.f  7«4»  iMjfoule  is  among 

heart.  QLebaiofJ/iW. 

Hnv  "  Shachal,  .1.  ramping,  fierce  of  nature,  Pfal.  01 .  13.  Thou 

fialt  trdmpte  pn  ^Shachal)  the  Lion.    ' 

rE2  Kephir,  .i.  lurking  in  covert  places,  ^PfahflX  3 .  Thou /halt 

tread  upon  £Keph  ir]  the  young  lion. 

Laiifh,  j.fabduinghis  prey,  Prov.  50.  30.  Laiifh,  a  Lieu 
which  is  /?ronge/l,6cc.  In  all  which  refpeds  the  Divell  is  truly 
a  lion,  he  being  given  to  teare  and  devoure,extfeam  fierce  and 
crucll,  lurking  in  fecret  to  deftroy,  walking,  ranging,  roaring 
end  devouring,  4»  Satan, 


wn 


t  h  a  p  .4.  TU  CbriflUn  Cwflilt.  *3 

4.  Satan,  that  it,  an  efpeciall  enemy  to  God  and  roan,  /•*  \woC\w 
1.6.  Satan  came  aljoamcngtbem.  I  Or.5.5.  T)el*ver  fuchs 

•ne  to  Satan. 

5.  DiVell,Sbed,awaacr,P/4/.  10^37.  Thcjfacrificcd—  Wttp 
**D/W/[Lefliedim3towa(liers.    ADivellisa  waller. 

tf.  Thetemptcrofmentofin3ir^if.^5.Z;^^/^^r  *■».'-$» 

$4«v  tempted,&c, 

7.  A  calumniator,  ^4^.4. 1.  continually  acenfog  the  *#*•' 
Saints  before  God,  ^v,  1 2  0,  icmalicioufly  detracting  and 
depraving  the  perfons,  words,  a&ions,  not  of  men  onely,  but 

even  ofGodhimfelfe,  (7*11.3.3. 

8.  Segbnirim,  Levtt.  17. 7  .rough,  rugged,  andhairie,  for  cnMc 
the  horroar  of  their  hiew  wherein  they  appeared  like  Sa- 
tyres,  7/4. 13.21.  and  other  ugly  creatures,  and  wherewith 

they  terrified  fucrras  faw  them. 

9.  The  wicked  or  malignant  one,  1  loh.i.  1 3.  for  moleft-  •»»"*•* 
sng,  and  with  his  fierce  darts  endeavouring  mens  ruineand 
mifery. 

Therefore  foch  being  the  malice,  fuch  the  cruelty,  Co  great 
the  crafr,  and  alfo  the  might  1  yeafince  fuch  is  the  nature  of 
our  enemy  the  Divell,  that  he  is  an  adveriary,  an  accufer  and 
a  tempter  of  mar  kind;  It  cannot  be  but  thatagood  Chrifti- 
an  doth,  and  muft  nectlfarily  warre  this  good  warfare  a- 
gainft  this  grand  enemy  and  his  curfed  ihitruments  :  S.  Cypri-  0'/>-(5iiodi^^ 
an  fpeakiug  of  thefe  our  enemies,  faith,  Thefe  do  lurks  under  j^a 
dtteslabie  idols  And  images  :  thefe  by  their  infpiration  do  in- 
fpire  the  heart t  of  Trophets,  animate  the  inwards  ofbeafls,  do 
order  the  flying  of  birds,  do governe  lots,  fulfii  pr editions,  do 
fold  iu  often  faljhoods  with  truths y  for  they  are  deceived  and  do- 
deceive^  they  diforder  life,  ditlurbefleepe,  affright  alfo  (ecretlj 
the  fair  its  of  the  fonlc,  beginning  in  the  bodies,  they  w  reft  afide 
members,  defiroy  health, they  provoke  difeafes  to  compeUto  their 
ferzice,  that  being  fatted  vitb  the  favcur  of  altars,  and  the  cea- 
fed  fires  of  beafis,  they  may  feeme  to  have  cured  thofe  things 
which  thej  had  bound  fafiytbemfelves  being  appointed  for  patne,. 
tbeyfeekelo  themfelves  companions  ofpainc.  Therefore  necef- 
aarily,  wc  muft  either  warre  this  good  warfare,  orflavi&ly 

fubmit 


14  The  ChriftUn  ConfliU.  Ch  ap.j? 

fubmit  to  theft  our  continual!  fierce  and  fighting  enemies. 

^  Thefe  three  ground-works  I  hope  are  furely  laid, and  fuffi- 
ciently  ftrengthened,  tobe  aflrme  and  fortified  foundation, 
whereupon  I  may  fafely  and  f urdy  build  the  following  dif« 
Course  by  way  ofufe  and  application. 

ChriHUnity  is  a  rvtrfare.  This  fhewes  its  inevitable  and 
infeparable  dangers,  and  uneafie  difficulties. 

ChrislUnity  it  a  gtotd  warfare.  This  declares  its  commen- 
dable glory  and  praifefull  dignity. 

Christians  muslfi^ht  this  good  warfare.    And  this  demon* 

ftrates  our  many  and  neceffary-  Chriftian  duties. 
Chap.  V. 

Vfe  I,  Shewing  tbeerrenr  eftbofevho  thinke  Crtfiianitj  t* 

beetjic. 

H  Ow  ridiculous  and  abfurdly  fool  ifli,  yetmuch  tobe  la- 
mented is  the  groundlefle  fancy  and  idle  conceipt  of 
thofe  men, who  crowne  themfelves  with  pleafant  garlands  of 
reftfull  (ecurity ,  and  pleafurefull  delights ,  imagining  they 
may  go  to  heaven  (as  it  were)  in  a  bed  of  downe  and  excefc 
-five  jollity ;  thinking  it  the  eafieft  matter  of  twenty  to  go  to 
Church,  to  receive  the  Communion,  fay  over  a  few  pray- 
ers ,  to  defie  the  Divell  and  all  hi*  workes ,  -and  to  ay  God 
mercy  for  their  prodigious  oathes,  mercilefie  ufury,  fatanicall 
lies,  and  other  their  bloudy  and  crimfbn,  conftantly  commit- 
ted, and  continually  crying  impieties ;  littlecor.fidcring  that 
they  are  but  in  a  fooles  paradife,  dreaming  altogether  ofim- 
poffibilities.  Tor  to  pray,  heare,  receive  the  Sacraments,  re- 
cent, &c.  aright,  or  ro  be  a  through  fi ncere  Chriftian,  is  a  mat- 
ter of  great  difficulty,  and  no  little  dan.  er,  of  much  hardfhip 
and  no  cafie  labour.  To  profeffe  fouldiourv,  being  a  wan- 
dering runnagado,  to  enjoy  a  fouldiers  ftipend  and  tirle  with  a 
4narumiffiojr»  to  folace  a  mans  felfe  with  friends  and  familiars: 
tobeabillitedfouldkr,  or  maintained  in  garifon  :  to  be-in- 
•treachtin  field  farrc  remote  from  dreadfull  foes,  arc  eafefull, 

and 


5ect.I#  TMCbrtJttMCtopttt.  if 

and  neither  toylefome  nor  troublefome  conditions.  But  to  be 
drawne  out  to  march  in  battel  1  array,  to  encounter  an  impetu- 
ous, inexorable,  puiffant  and  b'oud-thirfly  enemy,  not  onely 
to  skirmifha  little,  but  to  fight  it  out  pelmel,  each  fide  being 
forced  to  imploy  its  bed  and  utmoft  warlike  skill, ftrength  and 
valonr  to  vanquiih  and  deftroy  the  other,  is  (I  fappofe)  an 
eftatefull  of  dreadfull  feares,  folicitous  cares,  painefull  la- 
bours, ex ce (live  diligence,  and  watchful  1  vigilance. 

The  cafe  is  thine,  O  thou  that  art  a  true  Chriftian.Thou  haft 
received  pre fle-money  from  C brill  thy  Captaine:  thy  pro* 
felTiQn  is  to  be  his  fouldier,  than  which,  what  eftate  more  dif. 
ficillfr  What  condition  more  painefull?  What  life  more  la- 
bourfbme?"  Where  there  are  fightings  without,  and  combats 
within :  where  thine  enemies  are  not  few,  but  many  :   not 
feeble,  but  mighty :  notmeeke,  but  truculent;  not  exorabky 
but  implacable  :  not  flefli  and  bloud,  but  principalities  and 
powers :  not  men  onely,  but  DiVels  alfb.    And  is  k  an  eafie 
mattertobeaChriltian?  Areeafefullidlenefleand  careleffe 
fecurity  congruent  couforts  for  Chriftianity  think  you  ?  Sure- 
ly no.  It  is  a  harder  matter  to  leave  and  abandon  finne,  to 
make  progreffe  in  piety,  to  live  truly  a  CHriftian  life,  to  mor* 
tifie  the  flefh,  to  crucifie  the  world,  and  refift  the  Diveil :  to 
pray  for  enemies  and  perfecutors,  to  repay  becediflions  rot 
maledictions,  to  deny  our  felves,to  beare  the  crofle,  to  fbrfake 
all,&c.  than  many  vaine dreamers  imagine.    Ifpeaknottheie 
things  to  daunt  or  difmay  any :  (  for  I  hope  to  make  it  evi- 
dently apparent,  that  the  weakeft  warriourof  the  Lord  Iefus 
that  will  be  counfelkd,  fhall  vi&orioufly  vanquilli )  bat  to  a- 
wakefuchdotingdreamers,  whoarelullM  afleepe in Satans 
fhackles,  preferring  a  little  dangerous  eafe-feeming  fecurity  in 
the  Divels  flavifti  enthral ments,  before  a  little  happy  and  faJ* 
ying  laborious  diligence  in  the  ^ords  army. 


Se  ct, 


«f  TktCbriJtmCtnflttl.  Cha*.?; 

Sect.  j. 

Tbeirrour  of thofe  who  thinks earthly  contentment t 
their  chiefefl  glory. 

NO  lefle  fond  and  unfoundis  their  bra indeflc  conceipr, 
whofolacethemfelves  in  their  noble  birth,  richreve- 
newes,  large  pofleffions,  dainty  diet,  gay  apparel),  perfonall 
beauty,  corporall  health  and  abilities ;  deeming  thefe  and  fuch 
like  fading  felicities,  the  greateft  glory  and  molt  adorning  or- 
naments of  a  Chriftian  life.  Surely  (that  I  may  ufe  the  words 
of a  learned  Knight)/ not  onelj holdit  Uwfull  to  re'pyce  in  thefe 
S*.  Walter         good  t kings  wherewith  God  hath  ble fed  us,  but  *  note  ofmncb 
fcawlcighJ  Mb*  untbanleefnlneffe  to  entertaine  them  with  a  fuden  and  unfeeling 
j  .c.  i  .fag.  a  i .     diffiofitio*.  Yet  thefe  being  common  favours,not  thofe  prime, 
principall  and  neceflfary  mercies,  which  are  the  proper  chara- 
cters ofChriftian  fouldiers.    Not  thefe  but  thofe  following, 
are  the  moft  glorious  adorning  ornaments  to  the  Chriftian 
fouldier,  namely,  a  patient  induring  affli&ions  for  the  Lords 
fake,  refitting  unto  blood  :   an  impregnable  refolution  to  be. 
fikhfull  in  Chrifts  caufe  even  unto  death  :  an  implacable  en- 
countering fin,  Satan,  the  world,  and  the  flefti  with  an  unvan- 
quiftied  valour,  not  at  all  moved  to  entertaine  withafmiling 
looke  their  fyrcnian  and  bewitching  enchauntments  neither 
appaled  a  whit  by  their  threatfull  menaces,  and  terrible  af- 
faul  ts ;  an  entertaining  of  the  trecherous  fa  wnings  of  this  de- 
ceitfull  world,  with  a  loathfomc  difdainfulneffe ;  a  manfull 
marching  through  its  keeneft  darts  of  fcornfull  reproches,bafe 
ignominy,  and  all  ill  reports  with  undaunted  courage ;  being 
compleatly  clad  with  the  invincible  armour  of  righteoufnefle, 
having  a  dexterity  to  afethe&uae,  with  its  (everall  parts  and 
peeccs  at  every  turne,  to  vanquifh  the  enemy ,  and  fafeguard 
themfaves,  &C  Wt  do  not  judge  a  Thilofopher  (faith  S.Cbry- 
Ch.yC  Tom.  J.  ftftew)  by  his  bea^d  y  fiafe  or  garment ,  but'byhis  mind  and 
Scrin.de  vir-      manners ;  nor  a  fouldter  by  his  fouldiers  garment  or  arming  gir- 
#  g'  a'«  dlejfut  by  his  courage  and  magnanimity 2&c9 

Sect. 


Sict.j;  tbiChtiflUnCtnflifa  jy 

Sect,  jJ 

The  hrhtr  oftbofe  who  condemns  Cbrifliamtj  btcauft 
of  fame  difiords. 

IS  Cbrifiianity  a  good  warfare  ?   Then  the  worldlings  ce«* 
tamelious  conclufion  is  vile  and  ungodly.    Who  Secaufe 
they  lived  fellowly  in  a  filthy  fraternity ,  in  all  excefle  .of  riot 
before  their  zealous  Preachers  came;  but  fince  their  fo  much 
paines  in  preaching,  their  finftill  focieties  (feeraingly  peace- 
fiill)are  marred :  for  now  if  they  wantonly  dance  and  drink, 
fweare  and  fwagger,or  pra&ice  any  fuch  like  tricks  of  youth, 
to  grace  and  glad,  to  recreate  and  refrefh  themfelvcs  and  o- 
thers ;  they  arc  prefently  reproved  by  fuch  medling  Mini- 
fies, and  their  fa&ious  followers(as  they  call  them .)  Becaufe 
many  profeffon  before  tbey  forfook  their  fell©  wly  fraternity , 
were  joctind  and  jovial!,  pert  and  plealant  companions :    But 
fince  they  are  plunged  iato  many  laborious  labyrinths  of  trott- 
blefbmc  perplexities,  and  doubtful!  diftrefles.  They  prefently 
iaferrc  that  preaching  and  Preachers,  profeffion  and  Profek 
faursareneceffarily  naught,  and  inevitably  impicus.    And 
why?  Love  is  lacking,  peace  is  periled,  unity  is  vanished, 
good-fellow(hip  is  gone:  inftead  of  kindly  concord,  and  ami- 
able amity,  behold  diflenting  diicord,  and  auftere  averfnefle.' 
This  O  thou  world  is  the  moftof,  yea  all  thy  plea  againft  the 
Preachers  and  Profefiburs  of  piety.    Becauf?  we  hinder  love, 
we  are  therefore  bad :  becaute  we  occafion  difcord,  we  ther- 
fbre  arc  not  good.    And  is  there  not,  O  thou  infatuated  cavil- 
ler, and  intoxicated  wrangler,  a  love  which  is  bad ,  a  hatred 
which  is  good?  a  pious  difcord  and  an  impious  concord  ?  a 
godly  averfnefle,  and  an  ungodly  aflenting  ?  Sure  I  am  there 
is  a  what  peaeey  i  Kings • *  * •  A  love  not,  I  loh.  2. 1 5 ,  An  hating 
mth  a  perfeEl  hatred,  Pfat.  139.7*.  And  a  have  nofdlowftnp, 
Eph^  .ii.  Certaine  it  is  that  Chrift  our  Captaine  fet  fire  up- 
on earth,  jiamely  his  Gofpell,  kindling  and  railing  trouble 
amongft  wicked  ones  which  refill  it,  Luke  12,40.  And  it  is 

C  rr.oft 


a  8  2w  Cbrtfiun  Conflict.  C  h  a  p .  J , 

Hm^umltUa  t»oft  certaine  that  there  is  a  peace  not  of  Chrifte,  and  a  van- 
bonis^un^uam  ance  of  God9  appointing,  <JM*ttb%  10.34,35,  And  without 
certamina  de-  all  doubt,  this  fight  of  Chriftians  agamft  flefhly  Ms,  diaboli- 
■je?''  uocer-  call  temptations,  and  the  worlds'dread hall  troubles,  andin- 
tet  ™mm  \i&  chaunting  vanities,  enemies  fo  reftleffe  and  labouriome,  that  a 
jemper  habet.  true  Chriftian  can  have  no  reft,  no  quiet,  is  a  holy  and  happy, 
Sp-ciirp,  340.  a  pious  and  profitable  warfare :  for  Chriftianity  is  a  good 
warfare. 

True  it  is,  they  hate,  but  neither  God,  godlineffe,  nor  godly 
men :  butfiane,becaufe  it  is  a  breach  of  Gods  facred  Law, 
Rom.7. 1  $ .  the  cvill  that  I  hate. 

Truest  is,  they  love  not,  namely  the  world,  nor  the  things 
in  the  world,  becaufe  they  are  enmity  to  the  love  of  the  father, 
1M.2.15. 

True  it  if ,  they  arc  not  fociable,  namely  with  the  fruitlefle 
works  of  darkneffe,  Epb.  5.1  u  Hdve  no  fellow p?ip  with  the 
fruitltffe  worses  ofdtrkneffe. 

True  it  it,  theydorefift,  but  not  God,  like  thofe  thatdo 

refifthis  will,A^w.9.ip.  Nor  the  lawfull  powers  andordi- 

,  nance  of  God,  which  who  fo  refifts,  refifteth  the  ordinance  of 

God,  Rim.i  5.1.  But theDivell  and  his  Diabolicall  fubtilties, 

*Pet.$.$. 

True  it  if,  they  are  winnowed  and  fifted,  buffeted ,  and 
tempted*  troubled  and  terrified  :  they  have  a  flefh  ever  lott- 
ing againit  the  Spirit:  frailties  without,£ghtings  within.  But 
are  they  therefore  and  their  r>rofeftk>n  to  be  abhorred  as  wic- 
ked and  ungodly  ?  nothing  lerTc.  The  more  they  bate,  the 
leflc  they  love,the  more  they  refift,  the  leffe  they  are  fociable 
in  the  former  fenfe,thc  better  the  men:  And  the  greater  their 
combatjthe  greater  their  comfort :  for  thus  doing,  they  warre 
agood  warfare. 


Jicr, 


S  i  c  t  .4.  lbs  ChrifluM  CCf)fi^* 


Sect.  4. 

The  errottrofthofevtho  (nbmitto  Sdtan,  andfrfofc 

goodneffe  And  piety , 

DOch  every  ChriHidn  of  duty,  dnd  m*jl  he  of  neceffuy 
vf*rre  this  good  warfare  againft  the  Divell ,  all  his  a- 
poftate  angels  and  their  fierie  and  infcrnall  darts ;  a- 
gainft  the  wicked  world,  all  vile,  vicious,  and  ungodly  mens 
feared  frownes  and  fawning  flatteries:  againft  the  flefh  and 
all  its  fowle  and  filthy  lufts  ? 

With  what  a  face  then  (  O  you  fonnes  ©f  Belial)  dare 
you  (Firft ,  which  flavifhly  yeeld  without  any,  yedwith- 
*nt  your  beft  and  utmoH  refinance  to  be  led  captives  by 
the  Divell  and  his  circumventing  complices.  Secondly,  and 
you  which  fre  profeft  enemies  to  Chrift  and  his  kingdome, 
ro  the  power  and  practice  of  piety,  oppofing  tooth  and 
rayle  godlinefle  and  godly  men  )  with  what  face  fay  I  dare 
you  take  upon  you  the  honourable  name  of  Chriftian?  ufe 
the  tranfeendent  priviledgcs  of  Chriftianity  ?  and  glory  of 
the  Lord  Chrift  Ieius? 

1.  You  are  Chrift ians:  why  then  doe  you  not  ftand  in 
open  defiance  with,  profeffe  hatefall  hoftility  againft ,  and 
oppofe  with  magnanimous  relblutions  ,  the  fawning  and 
fraudulent  flatteries  of  this  guilcfull ,  and  the  fierce  and 
furious  conflicts  of  this  raging  world  ?  And  thofe  other 
flefhly  and  hellifh,  impetuous,  impious  and  implacable  e- 
nemies  of  your  precious  fbulcs  ?  If  a  bafe  unworthy  coward 
daunted  at  the  firft  approach  of  an  enemy ,  without  any 
refinance :  or  after  fome  Height  velitation  or  skirmiflh  ; 
er  a  male-contented  mifcreant ,  affecting  an  enemies  flavery 
more  than  a  Soveraignes  fervitude ,  yeelding  himfelfe  a 
flaviili  vaifall  to  a  tyrannizing  foe ,  may  glory  in  the  de- 
nomination of  a  fouldier,  becaufe  he  hath  received  prefte-' 
money ,  was  recorded  in  the  Generals  lifts,  and  rank'd  and 

C  2  tra)  n'd 


Ito  Tie  chrlflUn  Conflict.         Ch  a  * .  y. 

frayn'd  by  the  captaineof  his  band.  Then  may  you  which 
cowardly  feeing  onely  afarre  off  dangers  and  difficulties  ap- 
proaching to  affaile  Christianity,  without  any  opposition,  or 
after  fome  little  conflict  ?  And  you  who  (  aflfeding  the  igno- 
minious Slavery  of  the  world,  the  flefh  and  the  Divell ,  more 
than  the  Lords  precious  fervice)  yeeld  up  your  felves  to  ferve 
the  lufts  of  your  fkfh,  the  vanities  of  this  world,  and  the  fug- 
geftions  of  Satan,  may  glory  of  your  Chriftendorne,  becanfe 
you  are  baptized,  your  names  are  recorded  and  regiftred  a- 
mongft  Chriftians,  you  are  taught  and  trained  by  the  chariots 
and  horfemen  of  the  Lord  Iefiis. 

2.  You  are  Chriftians,  and  very  aclive  and  bufie  for  to 
withftand  and  hinder  what  you  can  with  'your  utmoft  abilities 
fuch  and  fuch  forward  feliowe-s  and  their  godly  fraternity  : 
you  indcavour  with  mighc  and  mainc  to  advance  prophane- 
Hcfle,  Antichriftianity  and  Atheifme,therefore  you  are  iouldi- 
crs:  and  being  Chriftians,  are  therefore  Chriftian  fouldiers. 
Alas,  youcollecl  abfurdly,  and  conclude  weakly.  A  rafcall 
rebell  may  as  well  argue  for  his  prodigious  villanics,  and  fay 
he  is  of  EngHfli  birth,  and  in  continual  1  combats,  although  a- 
gainft  his  annointed  Sovcraigne,  his  loyall  Liegemen ,  and  , 
faithfull  iubjecls,  therefore  a  good  Englifh  fouldier.  As  fuch 
a  viperine  tray  tor  is  no  good  fouldier  in  the  judgement  of  that 
3ookc3.  pag.  Mafterin  wavrc  Smaller  Raw/eigb,  who  faith,  It  ia  not  the 
547.  ptnifhment  that  makes  *  martyr— ^-nor fighting  that  declares  a 

valiant  wan,  but  fighting  in  a  good  canfe :  Even  fofuch  nomi- 
*iail  Chriftians,  although  they  fight,  yet  are  not  Chriftian  foul- 
diers, their  righting  being  againftthe  Lord  and  his  annointed. 
CKryf.Tom.4.  Te&me  (faxhSXhrjfoflonte) how  may  we  difcerne  a  fouldier  ^ 
Horn.  1 8.  m       Aether  by  that,  becaufe  as  an  officer  'he  doth  defeud  the  King, 
and  is  maintained  by  him>  and  it  called  his :  or  whether  becaufe 
he  doth  defend  his  right ,  being  well  affe  tied  to  him  /  To  (hew  0* 
fenly  in  countenance  to  take  hit  par /,  to  hold  on  his  fide ^  to  beare 
good  will  to  his  bufinejfe,  and  to  defend  him :  bat  yet  to  execute 
cr  atchieve  the  enemies  affaires  yit  farre  worfe  we  fay ',  than  if  he 
having  cafi  off  the  joke  of  loyalty  Joad  wholly  given  htmfelfe  to  the 
<*cmie&c*  Thcfe  and  all  true  Chriftians  are  fouldiers,  and 

both 


Sicr.y.  thtCbfiftUnCMJliSt.  %i 

both  forts  fight,  but  under  contrary  captaines  ahd  cotnmtn- 
ders,  for  ends  and  caufea  much  diffenting.  S*tvUn  gives  a  . 

reafen  of  this  repugnancy.  The  cbiefesl  cAtefe  of  their  difiord  £*' l  '  ,?a*' 
(faith  he)  * f be  diverfitj  of  wii,  becAnfo  either  it  cAnnot  At  a119 
or  fc tree!)  come  to  pA±fc  tent  Any  do  th  love  the  fume  thing  in  a- 
not  her,  from  which  bimfelfe  doth  dijfent :  //  u  not  therefore 
without  canfe  that  they  bate  thofe  in  whom  they  fee  a&  things 
envious  And  kdverfe  to  tbemfelves*  For  the  one  live  continual- 
ly in  wickednefle,  the  other  in  innocencie  :  they  in  Luff,,  thefe  in 
chafi  tie  :  they  in  brotheQ-  boa  fee,  thefe  infolitAriefUces :  they 
aim  of}  continually  with  the  Divitit  thefe  without  intermiffio* 
with  Chrift.  Tfcey  are  not  therefore  to  be  efteemed  good 
Chriftian  fouldiers  although  they  fight,  they  not  warring  this 
good  warfare. 

Sect,  j. 

Qhrifinnitj  u  a  good  w*rfAre%  which  the  true  Chris?  id* 
doth  And  mnfi  wAtre. 

BY  thefe  three  ground-works  I  having'difcovered  the  Poo-^ 
lift*  and  abfurd  conclufiors,  the  dreadralland  defperatc 
condition  of  many  Chriftians  (in  briefe  thus : 

i.  ChrifliAnity  ie  a  wArfnre  t  more  dangerous  difficulties 
therefore  accompany  it  than  many  fondly  imagine.  Neither-is 
every  one  fitted  for  this  fo  honourable,  yet  hard  profeffion,  it 
being  too  harm  for  nice  and  delicate  perfbns,  and  effeminate 
cowards  :  Neither  are  worldly  rejoycings,  as  dainty  diet, 
gay  attyre,  noble  birth,  richrcvenewes,  thegreateftgarnifti- 
ments  of  a  Chriftian,  as  diverfe  do  idly  dreame. 

* .  ChrislUnity  u  a  good  wArfare.  Palpable  therefore  is  the 
fooliftiablurdity  of  fuch  conclnders  who  condemneChriftia- 
nity,its  profeflion  and  profe flours,  for  its  difcording  oppositi- 
ons, it  being  fo  much  the  better  in  general),  by  how  rn^ch 
thefe  are  bigger  and  bitterer* 

3.  ChrijiiAntdoofdmty^  Andmnfl  of  neceffitj  fight  this  good 
warfArt.   Miferablc  therefore  muft  they  needs  be  which  fh- 

C  3  viftily 


a*  The  chrtJlUn  C0»Jvcl*         Cha*  .6 . 

vifWy  fobsiit  to  fcrvc  the  enemy  5  much  more  they  whs 
fiercely  fight  againft,  bur  not  this  good  warfare.)  I  will  now 
from  the  Tame  fiire  and  facred  truths,  joyntly*  or  if  you  will, 
from  this  inviolable  threefold  cord  conjoyned,and  twilled  in- 
to one,  thus, 

Cbrifi  Unity  id  a good  warfare y  which  the  true  Cbrifiian  doth 
and  m*fi  warn*  Endeavour  to  furnifh  tbeie  warriours 
with  profitable  directions  how  to  fight  this  good  fight,  lo 
that  they  may  efcapc  and  vanquifh  their  violent  and  vi- 
gilant enemies:  how  to  delight  their  Soveraignc  Comman- 
der the  Lord  Icfas ;  and  how  to  obtainc  the  crowne  of  glory 
after  this  cruell  conflict :  and  alfo .to  con  folate  and  comfort, 
arme  and  incourage  them  againft  the  many  difafterons  oc- 
currences this  profeffion  doth  propofe* 

Chap.  VL 

-A  Cbril}Un fonldier  muft  indure  bardnejfe^ 

A  LI  yon  whkh  wilbe  good  fonldiers  of  Iefus  Chrift,  muft 
refolve  with  your  felyes  to  indure  hardneflfe,  2  Tim.  i .  $* 
mf' .  Thou  therefore  as  agoodfonUier  of  Chrift  %  induce  bardneffe  ; 

?uJfaZr~     orfcffercvill.'  I  foretell  you  of  this,  beca»fe(as  faith  S.wW- 
Bookc  2.  cap.     ter  Rawleigb)  fbarfe  war  re  and  the  novelty  of  fudden  violence 
*8'PaSi63*'       t$fe  to  difmay  any  ft  ate  or  conn  trey ,  not  innred  to  tbe  lil^ei 
but  cuflome  of  danger  btrdeneth  even  tbofe  that  are  unwarlikf. 
Sharpe  wane ,  fudden  violences ,  dreadful!  dangers  arc  your 
portion,  you  muft  through  much  tribulation,  Ldfts  14.22. 
We  muft  through  much  tribulation  enter  into  thekingdomc 
of  God.    You  muft  fuflfer  perfection,  2  Tim,  1,1 1.  Ait  that 
will  live  godly  in  Cbrift  /effu  finllfafer  perfiewtion.  You  muft 
go  under  the  erode  during  your  whole  life.  Ycu  muft  indure 
battell  all  your  dayes.  You  muft  proceed  from  one  affliction 
to  another.  You  have  Divels  roaring  and  raging  againft  you, 
fecking  alwayes  your  definition,  to  rcfift  continually.    Yon 
GiiU.14.         have  a  wicked  world  alwayes  waging  warrc  againft  you, 
which  you  muft  crucific,  and  to  which  your  felvesmuftbc 

crucified, 


SiCT.ai  thtChrijtUnCwflitt'  *J 

crucified,   Ye*  hive  fle&lylufts  fighting  againft your  fculet,  GaLj.i* 
which  you  mud  mortifie.     You  mud  be  winnowed  and 
bufleted;  you  matt  be  tryed  and  tempted:  you  have  con- 
tinual! boftility :    you  are  environed  with  aflaylancs  >  you 
are  of  the  Church  Militant,  and  arc  Chrifts   fouldiefs, 
therefore  you  muft  indure  bardneflc.     But  what  hard- 
neflc  r    In  Ubessrs  mere  nbnndnnt ,  infiripes  nbove  men-fore,    ~-  Cor.  ii.;x4j 
in  prifsns  mere  fiequewt ,  in  denths  §ft:    in  fujfring fiip+    z1>l6>t7' 
wrnxke*    \ln  jeurnryings  often*  in  perils  ef  waters  y  in  pe- 
rili  cf 'rebbers ,  in  perils  by  eeuntrtymen ,  in  perils  by  bed" 
then  y  in  perils  in  the  eitie  ,   %n  perils  in  the  witdernetfe ,  in 
perils  in  the  fen ,  in  perils  nmengfnlfe  brethren.    In  reenri» 
neffe  nnd  pntmefnlnfffe,  in  wntchsngs  eft  en ,    in  hunger  stud 
thirfl ;  in  failings  eft en ,  in  celd  mnd  nn'kednefe,  &c.    In  tor*   Hekx  i.j<  16 
turesandtemptings,  mockings  and  fcourgings,  bonds  and   37. 
imprifonments,  &c.  In  fuffering  aH ,  or  any  oftheic";  or 
fuchlikcmifeties,  if  they  encounter  or  environ  you  for  the 
Lords  fake,  you  rauft  indurc  haidneffc  as  good  iouldicrt  of 
IcfuiCfuift. 

And  that  I  may  the  better  arme  and  accommodate  you  to 
indure  the  mouthes  of  lions*  the  violence  of  fire,  cruel- 
ty of  mocking*  j  bitternefle  of  Tcourgings ,  painefulnefle  of 
(taring,  torture  of  (awing  afondcr,  uncomfortablencfie  of 
wandring  iri  tkcep-skins  and  goatskin*,  being  deftitute^ 
afflided,  tormented,  to  fuffcr  any  of  thefe  or  the  like, 
(  for  we  mflft  not  be  our  owne  carveff  dr  choofers)  I  will 
propound  and  briefly  profeeute  fome  few -motives  and  in- 
ducements. 

Sect,  a. 

Motive  1.    Dr4wnefrem  examples  ef  pnrticuldeyMMers  ^ 

in  this  rnnrfdreftomthe  C hnrch  tn generally  *nd 

Chrift  enr  Saviour. 

TAke  a  view  of  all  thofe  Worthies  who  have  gone  be- 
fore us. 

C4  t.Thn 


3  4  7be  Chrifiun  Cwjlitt.         Ch  af  .6 . 

I.  The  Chursh  of  Ifrstl  was  put  to  fhamc,'  fpoyled  of 
their  enemies  as  (heepc  appointed  for  the  (laughter,  Mat- 
tered amonglt  the  Heathen,  a  reproach  to  their  neighbours, 
a  (come  and  derifion  to  them  which  were  about  them , 
a  by- word  among  the  Heathen,  a  ftiaking  of  the  head  a- 
mongft  the  people ,  fore  broken  in  the  place  of  Dragons, 
covered  with  the  (hadow  of  death ,  killed  all  the  daylong, 
counted  as  fheepe  far  the  daughter ,  PfiUme  44.     They 
were-  cut  off,  fcattered ,  (hewed  hard  things ,  and  made 
to  drinke  the  wine  of  aftonifhment,  Pfatme  6o,  1,  2,  3, 
They  were  prooved ,  tryed  as  filver ,  brought  into  the 
net,  they  went  through  fire  and  water,  Pfalme d<5.io,i  i, 
1 2.    Their  bodies  were  given  to  be  meat  to  the  fowles 
of  heaven,  and  their  fleCh  to  the  beaftt  of  the  earth;  their 
bloud  was  fhed  like  water ,  and  there  was  none  to  burie 
them ,  P/aime  70.  a,  3.    They  were  fed  with  the  bread 
of  teares,  and  had  tearcs  given  them  to  drinke  in  great 
meafure ,  they  were  made  a  laughing  ftocke  to  their  cne* 
tnies,  and  a  ftrife  to  their  neighbours,  7/dlme  80.  5,  6, 
They  were  exceedingly  filled  with  contempt,  with  the 
fcorning  of  thofe  that  were  at  eafe,  and  the  contempt  of 
the  proud,  Tfdlme  113.  3,4.   They  were  afflifted  from 
their  youth  »  the  plowcrs  plowed  upon  their  backes ,  and 
made  long  forrowes>  P/a/me  120.  a,  g>.    Their  bones  lay 
fcattered  at  the  graves  mouth ,  as  when  one  cutteth  or 
heweth  wood  upon  the  earth  >  Pfklme  14W  7.     They  be- 
came tributarie,  they  wept  fore  in  the  night,  they  want- 
ed comforters,  their  friends  dealt  treachcroufly  withthem,, 
they  went  into  captivity ,  they  found  no  reft ,  their  gates 
were  defolate ,  their  Pricfts  did  figh ,  their  virgins  were 
afflicted ,  their  adverfaries  were  chiefe ,   and  their  ene- 
mies did  profper,  their  Princes  were  like  harts  that  find 
no  pafture*  going  without  ftrength  before  the  purfacr. 
They  fell  into  the  hand  of  their  enemies,  who  mocked  ac 
their  Sabbaths,  their  adverfaries  fpread  out  their  hand  up- 
on all  their  pleafant  things ,  arid  the  heathen  entred  into 
^tfieir  Sanclqary.    They  Cghed  and  fought  bread ,  yea  they 

gave 


Sec  r  iz \l  The  ChrifiUn  ConfliSl.  \  5 

gave  thefr  pleafent  things  for  meat  to  relieve  the  foule  : 
Th«y  were  become  vile,  no  fbrrow  like  unto  their  for- 
row ,  which  was  done  unto  them ,  wherewith  the  Lard 
affli<5led  them  in  the  day  of  his  fierce  anger :  they  were 
made  defblatc  and  faint  all  the  day ,  the  Lord  delivered 
them  into  their  hands  *  from  whom  they  were  not  able  to 
rife.  Their  mighty  me©  were  troden  under  foot  y  jheir 
young  men  were  crufhed ,  and  the  comforter  which  (hould 
relieve  their  foule  was  farre  from  them,  &c.  Lament,  j. 
&c.  Yet  for  all  this  they  did  not  forget  God ,  nor  deale 
falfely  in  his  covenant;  their  heart  did  not  turne  backe, 
neither  did  their  ftcps  decline  from  Gods  lawes ,  Pftlm* 
44.i7,i&. 

a.  Behold  the  prime  and  principal!  particular  pcrfonsof 
the  Lords  band. 

it  Jacob,  that  Ifrael  or  Prince  of  the  ftrong  God,  one 
who  obtained  principall  power  from  the  mighty  God  .• 
His  life  was  a  continued  pilgrimage  inftrange  Countreyes* 
accompanied  with  many  evils,  namely  the  malice  and 
threats  of  Efau,  a  tedious  andtoylefbme  journey  to  Me- 
fopotamia,  hard  fervice  with  his  unde  Lab**,  feare  of 
Eft*  at  his  rcturne  home ,  the  defiling  of  his  daughter 
^Dinah%  Simeon  and  Levies  tyrannical  1  cruelty ,  the  wic- 
kednefle  of  his  firft-borne  Reuben ,  the  evill  tydings  of 
his  fonnes  by  his  beft  beloved  lofepb^  and  of  the  lamen- 
table lofTe  of  his  darling  fofepb ,  ltidahs  mariage  with  a 
Canaanitifo  woman  >  and  fharnelefle  inceft  with  bis  daugh- 
ter ThamaTy  the  heavy  and  hideous  newes  from  Egypt 
that  Simeon  was  in  prifon*  the  money  reftored,  and  that 
BenjAmin  mud  go,  &c. 

a.  David  that  man  after  Gods  owne  heart,  the  fweet 
finger  of  Ifrael ,  his  life  accompanied  with  much  hard* 
ncfte;  the  diftaftfull  difdaine  of  his  brother:  Sauls  conti* 
nuall  hatred  and  perfection  :  the  fcandalous  flanderrand 
falfe  accufations  of  Saul*  perverfe  parafites  :  CMerab  gi- 
ven from  him  :  UMichal  given  to  enfharehim:Nhis  otter* 
difcom&ing  difcoveries  to  Sanl  by  D*t£  and  the  ZTphims  * 

the 


a  6  ?h*  chrifiUn  Cwfiitt.  Ch  a>.£. 

the  malice  and  warres  of  enemies :  [divifionof  his  pcople,and 
their  deftru&ion  by  the  peftilence :  The  mocki  of  UHUIaI% 
*nd  the  revilinfs  of  £&»*#:  Amnent  fbule  fa&  and  fearefull 
fall :  tsfbfoloms  prodigious  rebellion  and  infamous  iriceft ; 
the  death  of  his  chiefe  Captaincs,  and  revolt  of  his  chiefe 
Counfellours :  his  fnamefull  reproches,  grievous  ficknefTe, 
&c.  Yet  was  he  thankeFull,  confident,  hoping,  conftant  and 
patient. 

3.  Ub  like  whom  there  was  none  upon  earth,  a  perfe& 
and  upright  man,  fearing  God  and  efchewing  evill,  endured 
abundance  ofhardnefle,  for  when  God  had  opened  a  gap  to 
Sathan,  leaving  hbs  fubflance  to  his  mercileflc  cruelty :  the 
3ivell  robs  him  ofhis  fifty  yoke  of oxen,and  fifty  (hee  affes  by 
theSibeans:  fpoyle*  him  ofhis  feven  thou&nd  flveepe  by 
fire,  takesaway  his  three  thoufand  cammels  by  the  Caldeans : 
bereaves  him  ofhis  (even  fonnes  and  three  daughters  by  tern- 
pcftuous  windes  overturning  the  houfe  of  banqueting :  and 
depriving  him  ofhis  great  houfhold  (thofe  fbure  meffengers 
of  evill  tydingsand  fome  few  other  excepted)  by  the  afore- 
faid  meanes,  and  all  in  one  day.  And  after  when  the  Divel! 
mooved  God  againft  him,  and  gets  leave  to  fliew  his  utmeft 
force  and  fury  againft  him,  his  life  being  faved,  his  body  Was 
fmittenandfurcharged  with  fore  and  fmarting  biles  and  bot- 
cbesfrom  the  fole  of  the  footto  the  crowne  of  the  head,C^. 
1.7.  his  wife  tempts  him,  Vcr.  10.  His  friends  were  refera- 
ble comforters,  16.2.  His  brethren  and  acquaintance  were 
eftranged  from  him,  ip-.T?.  His  inward  friends  abhorred 
him^r.i^.  His  wife  and  fervant's  accounted  him  a  {trangeiy 
Ver.  1 5, 1 6,\  7.  Young  children  defpifed  him,  Ver.1%.  Bafc 
fboles  and  unworthy  vile  ones  fcorned  and  derided  him : 
Ghtp.io.  His  griefe  and  calamity  was  heavier  then  the  &nd  : 
Chap.6.  2,5.  The  arrowes  of  the  Almighty  were  within 
him,  thepoyfon  whereof  did  drinke  up  his  fpirit?,?^  4.H1S 
flefti  was  clothed  with  wormes  and  clods  of  duft :  his  skin 
was  broken  and  become  loathfome,  7.5.  'He  was  full  of 
toffingstodandfro.  feared,  with  drearies  and  terrified  with 


a  s  c  r .  I,  The  chnjlm  CMflsct.  a  y 

I  might  inflancc  in  Icwah^EUjah,  and  who  not  ?  But  I  will 
enlarge  my  fclfe  toname  butonc  more 

2.  ChriftlefusourCaptaineand  Commander,  whofe  J  he 
was  generally  contemptible  as  afervant,  turfed  as  afinrer : 
loaden  with  miferies  and  acenftomed  to  hardrefle,  from  his 
birth  tohisbwiall.  His  parentage  was  pc ore,  his  birch  with- 
out honour,  his  company  being  cattell,   his  chamber  a  ftable, 
and  his  cradle  a  cratch,  Luke  3.7.  His  life  without  eafe;  per- 
fected by  #/fW  being  but  a  babe:  driven  into  exile,  being 
but  an  infant,  iMatth.  2.13,16.  His  body  was  e  nfeebled  with 
watching  and  fafting  hunger  and  thirft,  andhisfoule  afflicted 
with  fearesand  fbrrowes,  but  efpecially  at  his  death,  befides 
thofe  terrible  conflicts  of  his  with  Gods  wrath  in  his  agony 
andpaffion:  befides  his  bufferings  and  fcourgings,  nayling, 
piercing  and  crucifying,  how  were  his  unfupportable  Offe- 
rings amplified  and  enlarged  in  regard  of 

1.  Theperfonsafflicling,  1  their  nnmber  being  great,  un- 
certaine  and  indefinite. 

1.  Their  fever  all  forts  beeing  various,  paffengcrs  too  and 
from  Ierufalem,  <JMatth>  2  7. 39.  High-Priefts,?Vr.4  ?  .Scribes, 
4 1.  Elders  4 1 .  Pharifees,6  2.  And  theeves,4J . 

3.  Their  nature  being  brutifh,  barbarous,  blondy,cruell, 
fpightrall,malicious,fcornehjll,anddifgraceftill,  3  8./*  4?. 

4 .  Their  condition  being  bafe,  Ver.  3  9 .44 .  And  honoura- 
ble^, bond, 44  and  free, 3 9.4 2.  learned,42. and  unlearned, 
39-&vill,42.  and Ecclefiafticall, 42.  religious,  ^r.42.  and 
propbane,  39.44. 

5 .  Their  drift  being  to  bring  into  oblivion>hatred  and  ut- 
ter contempt  the  perfon,officef  doclrine  and  miracles  of  our 
Saviour  amongft  the  people ;  and  to  provoke  and  inftigate 
our  Saviour  Chrift  to  murmuring,  impatience  and  grudging: 
to  prefumptuous  tempting  of  God:  to  diftruft  full  doubtful  1- 
neifeand  defperation. 

6.  And  theirbehaviour  being  1  unfeemely  and  uncomely 
in  regard  of  their  places  and  callings,  fomeof  them  being  Rm 
fcrs;  and  profeffion  it  being  holy  and  religions,  they  being 
Scribes  and  Phariiees.  And  a  Impious  and  ungodly, In  regard 

of 


%  3  The  Cbrtfiun  CcpftM*  C  h  a  p  .  6. 

of  their  fpeech  it  being  fpightfull  and  reproachful!;  andge« 
fture,  it  being  fcornemll  and  difdainefiill,  7*M0»4X>4*>44« 

1.  Of  the  place  moant  Calvery,the  high  way,  plame  field 
and  place  of  paflage  too  and  fro.. 

3.  Of  the  time,  It  being  at  the  houre  ofdreadfull  and  dtfc 
snail  death  in  his  greateft  and^xtrearaeft  mifery :  In  hit  hea- 
vie  paffion,  laft  and  grievous  agony.  When  he  was  wearied, 
and  as  it  were  worne  out  with  Gods  fuflfcrings.  When  he 
was  wounded  with  the  arrovves  of  Gods  wratto,when  he  was 
raoft  to  be  comforted  and  pitied. 

But  did  not  the  miferies  and  perfections  of  Chrift  and  his 
members  expire  upon  the  Croffe,  and  then  ceafe  ?  No  fuch 
matter :  Piter  and  lohn  were  imprifoned,  threatned,  A #.4. 
and  beaten,  5 .40,  The  Proto-Martyr  Steven  was  ftoned,  7. 
Great  perlecution  was  raifed  againft  the  Church,  Cbap$. 
lames  is  beheaded  and  Peter  imprifoned,  1 2.  Pant  is  perfec- 
ted from /r0«/#w,  and  ftoned  at  Ljftrt,  Chap,  14.  Panl  and 
Silas  are  whipped  and  imprifoned  at  Pkilippi,  1 6.  7**ul  is 
perfected  at  Tbefa/o»$ca9i  7.  Taken  and  bound  at  Icrufalem, 
lis  Bufietedaadfentprifonerto  Felix,v$.  Accufed  felfely 
by  Tertnflus  and  the  le  wes,2  5 .  And  by  him  fent  a  dangerous 
voyage  prifoner  to  Rome.  Defcend  a  little  lower^and  from 
Saint  Uhat  time  to  the  end  of  the  world,  fee  the  lot  of  the 
godly. 

ri.  The  Church  of  god  which  is  the  beloved  Citty  and 
new  Ierufalem,  Rev, ?o.p.  21.2.  Gods  tabernacle  and  his 
habitation^  1.3.  The  Lambes  wife,  1  £.7.21.9.  The  woman 
eloathed  witfuhe  Sun,having  the  Moone  under  her  feet,  and 
upon  her  head  a  crowneof  twelve  ftarres,  12.1.  led  by  the 
Lambe  tothc  fountaine  of  living  waters,  7. 1 7.  Having  God 
and  his  Chriftto  ruleher,i.i.  2  2. 3.  was  to  be  trodden  downe, 
1 1 .2.  forty  moneths  or  one  thoufand  two  hundred  fixty  daies: 
wastofleeand  eicape  into  the  wildernefle  as  the  Israelites 
fleeing  from  Pharaoh,  12  ,6,  where  {he  was  to  be  hid  and  nou- 
rished being  perfecuted  by  the  bcafl:  and  Dragon,  11 .7.  And 
overcome  1 3.7.  although  afterwards ihee  prevailes,  17.14* 
19*19*  HThl 


o  a  c  t.  * .  The  Chrift'm  anflecl.  29 

1.  The  Truckers  of  fhriFt  lefts,  which  arc  ftarres  and 
!Angels  1,2,3.  preaching  Prophets,  11.3.14.*.  A gainft  Ba- 
by l©n,which  hath  made  all  rations  drinke  of  the  wrath  of  her 
fornication,  1 4. 8.  And  thofe  who  worfhip  the  beaft  and  his 
image,  and  thofe  which  receive  his  marke^r.^.  And  exhor- 
ting men  to  fear  e  God,  and  worfhip  him,  Verq.  Thefeare 
kil!ed,l  1. 7.And  beheaded,: o  4. 

3.  True  Chriftiant  who  are  laid  to  dwell  in  heaven,  rj  £• 
which  worfnip  God,  1  i.i6\  which  are  without  guile,  14.  5. 
Notdefiled  with  women,  *  4.1  fi.  who  reverence  the  voice  of 
Chrifts  Minifters, 4.9,10.  5.14.  follow  Gods  Commande- 
ments,  14.12.  which  arc  written  in  the  Lambes  booke  of 
life,  21.27.  Refnfe  to  take  the  beaft smarke,  15.2.  who  have 
the  Lord  and  his  waiesin  admiration,  1 5  -3)4.  who  followed 
the  Lambe,i4  4.  having  his  fathers  name  in  their  foreheads, 
V*r.  1  .which  were  fealed  for  ailurance,C£^.7.Thefe  were  & 
are  to  be  afflicled,i  1  .^.overcome  and  killed,x  ?  .7.H0W  thefc 
things  have  been  verified  is  related  in  Ecclefiafticall  Hiftories, 
which  record  of  the  ten  bloody  and  barbarous  primiriv  e  perfe- 
ctions, which  were  fo  cruell,  thai  under  Trajan(ln  whofe 
reigne  Simeon  the  fecond  Bifhop  of  Icruiiriem  a  man  of  120. 
yeares  old,  wa6  tortured  and  crucified)  fach  a  weight  of  per-   iuf.Eccl.Wft. 
fecutitns  did  prejfe  the  Church,  And  fttcb  infinite  number  cf  lf*'*'  '-3z-i*® 
Martyrs  were  daily  flaine,  that  Pliny  the  fecond  which  then 
did governe the  proline  being  very  much  troubled  at  the  mul- 
titude oftbeflatne,  declared  to  the  Smpereur  that  innumerable 
thou  fads  of  men  were  daily  killed,  in  whom  by  enqniry  there 
vis  found  no  offence  committed  nor  any  thing  done  againft  the 
Romane  /awes  but  this  only ,t hat  they  didflng  before  day  hjmnes 
to  a  God  they  called  Ckrift.  Yea  tbe  number  of  the  perfected 
Was  infinite.  fb  that  fl&riv  wot  noplace  empty  in  tbeprifonsy  and  lib  $.c.6.pag. 
that  the  whole  count rey  did  fee  me  rather  to  got  to  prifon%  them  186. 
the  guilty  to  be  led  toprifen.    And  as  for  the  torments,   they 
were  divers  and  intollerable.   Their  bodies  were  tome  with  tibXc^^ag. 
fconrges  and  then  given  to  beaft s  :    Lyons,  Beares,  Libardt,  l*7- 
Bulls,  and  every  leinde  of  cruell  beaft  were  ufedy  yea  the  cruelty 
tf all  foafcmcnandflemjeMs  were  armed  again ft  the  worfhip* 

*  PrA 


3  °  The  ChrijlUn  Cwflitt.  Ch  a  p  .6. 

Ibid.c.S$.i$l .  fers  *f(/od.  Some  of  them  after  fc  our gings  and  bonds  y  tortures 
and  other  horrible  torments  of  divers  kinds  were  burnt.  Some 
cafl  into  the  fea^  foms  Jl*ine,  fome  crucified  with  their  feet  upl 
ward,  &c.  Some  had  their  fit fh  tome  of  with  pot/beard;,  fame 
cfp'-i'o.  Tent ** ?eeee* w"b  trees  bowed  together,  Cbap.£.     They  were 

beaten  with  ftatses,  with  rod/,  with  whips,  frc.     They  were 
hanged  up  their  hands  beino  bound  behind  themt  firetched  out 
withpulUyes^  and  pulled  in  pieces  limme  by  limm*.    Yea  flich 
tib.&.c.ii.pag  and  fo  great  were  the  torments,  that  the  "Hiftorian  faith,  who 
19  *  •  can  repeate  ?   who  can  difslofe  ?  who  can  exprejfe  how  they  were 

flaine  with  axes,  their  thighes  were  broke**  they  were  hang  dtp 
Jikefwinesflefb,  andfmotbered  with  fmoke  >difmembred>roafted. 
Yet  for  all  thefe  things,  their  courage  was  undaunted  and  im- 
pregnable, witneffe  the  brave  and  blcffed  anfwer  of  Pclicar- 
Ltb+.c.n-pag  ptujourefcor*  and  fix  y  ear  es  Ihaveferved  Chrifi  and  he  never 
hurt  me%  how  can  I  now  blafpbeme  my  King  which  hath  faved 
Lib,  ;.*<£.  i,*.   me  ?  Witnefle  the  invincible  patience  of  'Blandina  and  Atta- 
pag.ioh&c    fa :  Witnefle  the  free  and  voluntary  fpeech  oCPhiloromusyo£ 
Phtleas,  why  doe  you  vaincly  tempt  the  conflancy  of  the  man  * 
Why  would  you  make  him  who  U  a  behever  an  infidcll  f  'Doe 
you  not  fee  that  his  eares  he  are  not  your  words  ?  His  eyes  fee  not 
Lib.$tc.io.psT  yourteares}  How  can  he  wbofe  eyes  fee  and  fledfaflly  regard 
heavenly  glory  be  turned  with  terrene  tearest    Witnefle  that 
rich  and  faithfull  Fiftoriautu  greatly  in  favour  with  his  King 
who  anfwered  the  meflengers  from  his  Soveraigne.  Tell  my 
lib.;  fDe  perfc.   K*»g  let  hi  m  broyle  me  with  fire  Jet  him  fcrce  me  with  beafisjet 
<U0rtd-p>  6  $<?,      him  torture  me  with  divers  kjndes  of  torments,  if  I  confent  I 
am  baptised  i n  vaine  in  the  Catholike  Church*     WitnefTc  all 
thofe  Primitive  Martyrs  and  our  late  blefled  brethren  of  hap- 
py memory  in  thofe bloudy  Marian  daies  and  fince.    1    Did 
Chrift  himfelfe  our  head  Mafter  and  Govcrnour?  Did  the 
Church  (the  body  and  building  of  Cfirift)  in  all  ages  ?  (fome 
few  fhort  breathings  excepted)  and  its  particular  members? 
'Doth  the  Church  at  this  day  in  other  places  endure  much 
bardneffe  as  the  fouldiers  of  Chrift  ?    Are  the  two  witnefles 
now  warred  againft  overcome  and  in  killing  as  fome  proba- 
bly thinke?  ^Wflhallnotwe  the  fouldiers  of  this  Captaine, 

the 


Sue  t.j.  Tit  Chrijikn  CtnfliB.  3. 1 

the  members  of  this  body,  the  Warriour9  of  the  fame  band 
prepare  us  patience,  and  refolve  to  endure  hardneffe  as  the 
good  fouldiers  of  Chrift  i> 

Sect,  3. 

Motive  2 .    D rAWfte  from  our  condition. 

WE  are  men,  therefore  we  have  few  daies,  mam/dan- 
gers :  few  yeares,  but  many  evils :  a  fhort  time  but 
much  trouble,  Ub  1 4. 1 .  Man  that  is  borne  of  a  woman  is  of 
few  daies  and  full  of  trouble :    We  are  Chriftian  men,  there- 
fore to  be  hated  of  all  men  for  Chrifts  fake,  ^4//£.  10.22. 
Being  as  (hcepe  amongft  Wolves,  and  lillies  among  thornes. 
Chriftians  arc  like  Merchants  in  great  perills,  before  they  can 
enjoy  their  wiftied  haven ;  like  travellers  inan  enemies  coua- 
trey  abiding  much  hard  (hip,  before  they  are  free  from  dan- 
ger :  we  muft  through  much  tribulation  inter  into  the  king- 
dome  of  heaven,  /?#/ 14.22.  Yea  all  that  will  live  godly  in 
Chrift  muft  fuffer  perfecution,  iTim.i.iz.  We  are  Gods  Per  varjofca+. 
wheate  which  muft  bethrefhed  :  we  are  Gods  grapes  which  fm  pcr  tat  dif- 
tnuft  be  preffed :  we  are  Gods  gold  which  muft  be  tryed.   As  crimina  rerum 
wewafhand  wring  that  linnen  which  weeweare  next  our  tendimusaJp*- 
skin ;  but  let  facks  and  fuch  like  lie  without  beating  :  even  fo  niam  veT*m 
our  molt  wife  God  wringeth  with  afflictions  thofc  children,  ^^  *" 
which  are  moft  deare  and  neare  unto  him,  even  when  he 
letteth  others  whom  he  maketh  not  fuch  account  of  enjoy 
their  reft  and  quiet.   Let  us  of  necefiity  make  a  vertue,  fince 
as  being  men  we  arc  (ubjetf  to  innumerable  evills,  as  Chri- 
ftians to  many  mere,  armeweour  felves  therefore  as  good 
Chriftian  fouldiers  of  Chrift  Iefus  to  endure  hardnesjand  as  the 
magnanimity  and  valour  of  the  Romanes  was  moft  admirable 
and  excellent  in  their  greateft  adverfities ;  folet  ours  accor-  . 
ding  to  the  antient  rule,  hard&ip  ennobleth  vertue.  ?/£<%£* 

SlCT. 


3 1  Tfo  ChriftUn  Cwfiitt*         Ch  a* .  61 

Sect.  a\* 

Motive  g.  Drtwxefitm  the  h4rmetff*efepf  them? 

LEt  the  harmelefneffe  of  affli&ions  perfwade  to  fuflrr 
them,  we  being  content  with  patience,  and  perfcverancc 
to  endure  that  which  hurts  us  not.  Although  the(e  are  hideous, 
yet  not  bunfull ;  although  drcadfull  yet  not  difadvantagious  : 
thayare  tolerable  although  terrible.  Like  the  formidable 
waves  of  the  overflowing  deluge,  which  tofled  the  Arke,b«| 
dro  wnd  it  not :  like  the  fire  in  the  bu(h,  which  burned  with- 
out confuming  the  fame  :  like  hnabs  whale,which  fwallow- 
ed,yetdcftroyedhimnot:  like  the  venemous  Viper  hanging 
on  'Tauls  hand  not  harming  him  at  all :  many  a  time  have 
theyafflicled  me  from  my  youth,  yet  theyhave  not  prevailed 
againft  mefaidIfraellongagoe,P/*/.i2p.!,t.  upon  this  rock 
will  I  build  my  Church  and  the  gates  of  hell  (hall  not  prevaile 
againft  it  faith  our  Saviour,  Mattb.  1 6. 1 8.  we  are  troubled  on 
every  fide  yet  not  dirt rcfled  ;  we  are  perplexed,  yet  not  in 
defpaire:  perfecutedbutnotforfaken:  caft  downe,  but  not 
deftroyd,  faith  Saint  7W,  *  Cor^.Stf.isfffltftions  doe  not 
withdraw  fiomtbs  verity  of  price  and  faith,  but  doc$rr$bor4te 

Wpritn  h       °r  ftre"£the*  '»£™f*  with  Saint  CjfrU*,  who  himfelfe  was 

Mirta  *  Martyr, 

Se  c  t.  f. 

Motive  4I  Drwnefrom  their benefit 94nifreftK 

T He  fourth  motive  fliall  be  drawne  from  the  benefit  of 
fuchlike  afflictions;  each  man  fuffereth  patiently  that 
which  hehopeth  may  doc  him  good :  many  perilleus  blafts 
and  boyftcrous  ftormes :  much  toylefome  travaile  by  fca  and 
land,and  abundance  ofpainefull  labours  are  -endured  by  ven- 
trous  Mariners  and  martiall  men,  yea  by  all  forts  of  traders 
and  traffiquers  to  get  gainc :  bitter  pills,piercing  plaifters,  un- 
-  """'  .  comfortable 


5ect.5.  IheChrifliAnCMfttt*  35 

com 'crtable  cuttings,  and  fearefull  launcingsare  frfferedto 
ol  rail  c  health.  Incure  we  therefore  as  the  goodicuidicrs  of 
Chrill  hardnefle  or  afflictions. 

i .  Theie  being  to  Chriftian  k  uldiers  as  the  waves  toiTing  the 
ark,  yet  laving  Noc.h  :  As  the  Whale  (wallowing  up,  yet  pre- 
ferring/«**£  from  drowning.  As  the  Dragon  purfuing  the 
woman,/?**'.!  i.i .  yet  procuring  her  greater  prelcrvation.  As 
the  file  grating  the  iron,yet  making  it  clearer  and  brighter.  As 
the  furnace  melting,  yet  purifying  the  gold.  As  the  mill  grin- 
ding, yet  making  the  wheat  more  ufefull.  As  the  cards  break- 
ing^ yet  fitting  the  wooll  for  commodity.  As  the  coales  heat- 
ing, )  et  makir  g  perfumes  more  odoriferous. 

2.  Thefeare  as  the  redfea,  preferving  Ifrael,  drowning 
rphnTAch and  his  hoft,  advantagious  to  the  Saints,  although 
hurtful]  to  ungodly  men  :  for  although  they  procure  defpera- 
tion  to  thcfe,yet  they  caufe  a  raoft  certaine  hope  in  thofe. 

They  being  inlUuments  by  which  thegoodneffe  and  power 
of  God  doth  appeare  in  comforting  and  fuccouring  us:  as  alfo 
occafions  of  the  moft  excellent  good  things :  for  by  theie  our 
daily  flips  are  fatherly  and  favourably  corrected  :  our  pride 
and  arrogancy  is  preiTed  and  pulled  downe :  the  flefh  and 
wantonnclTc  is  cooled  and  quailed :  our  old  man  is  deftroyed 
and  new  renewed,  floth  and  fluggiftmelTe  is  fhaken  off  :  the 
confeffion  offaith  isexpreffed;  our  weakeneiTe  is  manifefkd  : 
we  are  provoked  to  more  earned  and  ardent  prayer :  we  dai- 
ly underlland  the  fragility  and  frowardneffe  of  our  nature,and 
accuftome  our  (elves  to  patience. 

3 .  Thefe  arc  fpirituall  exercif  es  to  cxercife,  precious  medi- 
cines to  cure,' and  whohome  balm  to  heal  the  foul ;  to  purge 
us  of  the  droiTe  and  reliqucs  of  fome  old  finnc  which  we  arc 
loth  to  leave. 

4.  Without  thefe  the  rich  and  radiant  graces  in  Gods 
Saints  are  often  like  fire  covered  in  aheapc  of  afhes',  and 
oyntment  flopped  into  a  clofc  box. 

5.  Yhefe  ft  arpen  the  lpir  its  of  Gods  children,  and  make 
them  oftentimes  do  things  farre  more  excellently  and  ccofide- 
rately  than  they  do  in  profperity . 

D  6.  Thefc 


34  IheCkrijitAnConfliti.  Chap.c?. 

6.  Thefe  make  tryall  ofour  zeale,  love  and  conftancy,  be- 
ing to  us  as  the  furnace  to  the  gold, to  try  and  proove  us,  Prov. 
17.5.  and  our  hope  waiting,  Pfalm.  123.  2.  Rom%  8.34. 
Faith  not  feene,  2  Cer.4. 1 8.^/^.11.7.1 3#2©.and  patience  in- 
during,  fam.$.^.He^.i2.i. 

7.  Thefe  ftirre  up  our  zeale,  love  and  devotion  inprai- 
fing  and  ferving  God,  and  make  us  more  diligent  in  the 
fame. 

8.  Thefe  are  as  thornes  in  our  waves,  left  we  run  wrong 
andftrayafide. 

9.  Thefe  oft  times  turne  to  the  inlargement  of  Gods 
Church,  fuch  being  the  riches  of  his  mereifull  providence, 
that  he  turnes  the  weaknefTe  of  his  children,  and  wickednefle 
of  their  enemies  to  the  good  of  the  Church  :  the  cruelty  of 
the  one,  and  the  cowardize  of  the  other  to  the  increafe  of  Re- 
lig'on,  and  inlargement  of  the  Church,  .^^8.1,4.  The 
Lord  workes  by  contraries ,  and  beats  the  Divell  with  his 
owne  weapons ,  he  fhewes  that  mens  wiidome  is  foolifli- 
rieffe  with  him:  for  when  they  thinkejtoput  out  the  name 
of  Chrift  by  perfecution ;  when  they  feeke  to  quench  the 
light  of  the  Gofpell ,  by  driving  away  the  Preachers  and 
ProfelTours  thereof,  then  doth  he  mod  of  all  publifh,  it, 
making  thofe  painefull  Preachers,  and  pious  Profeffours 
like  fragrant  fpices ,  brayed  and  pounded ,  to  fmell  the 
fweeter,and  fpread  their  fmell  the  further,  ABs  1 1 .19.  One 
Martyrs  death  oft  caufirg  many  to  be  converted. 

xo,  Thefe  are  advantagious  beyond  expreftion  to  the 
Chriftian  Worthy,  affording  hi  ma  threefold  excellent  com- 
modity, namely, 

Firft  gainfull  profit ;  witneffe  that  facred  fpeechof  David 
that  worthy  Warriour  of  Chrift  Iefus,  P/alme  1 19.  71.  ft 
u  good  for  nte  that  I  have  hene  tfflifted.  And  of  that  mag- 
nanimous fouldier  of  God  the  Prophet  hremie^  Lament \ 
3.  27.  7t  «  good  f fir  a  man  to  beare  the  joke  from  hit  youth* 
Namely  for  a  man  which  is  elecled ,  which  is  the  faithfull 
fervant  of  GOD,  aoid  fouldier  of  C HR  1ST,  who  is 
armed  wjth  the  armour  ojf  G  O  D  9  ajnd  indued  with  faith, 

h°Pe* 


S  e  c  t  .  5  ^  The  Chrifiidn  CttfliSt.  3  ? 

hope,  patience,  meekneffe,  andfiich  like  gifts  and  graces, 
for  this  man  it  is  good%  that  is,  a  thing  honcft,  juft,  right, 
comely,  commendable  and  of  good  report,  M»  15.20. 
Or  a  blefPed  and  happy ,  profitable  and  gainefull  thing  for 
him  to  beare  the  yoke,  namely  of  Chriit  Ielus,  both  of 
fub;*c"tion  and  cbedience,  and  of  afflictions,  crofles,  ca- 
lamities of  all  forts ,  inward  temptations  and  cut  ward  trou- 
bles. From  his  youth,  that  is,  continually  and  daily:  ufe'ma- 
ting  perfect,  cuftome  being  another  nature. 

Secondly ,  Pleafurefuil  delight.  Though  this  is  a  mar- 
vellous ftrange  paradox  to  mod  men ,  yet  not  fo  ftrange 
as  true,  *Acls  5.  41,  Teter  and  lobn  departed  rejoydng 
that  they  were  counted  worthy  to  fuffer  fhame  for  Chrifts 
name ,  Chap.  1 6.  '2  5 .  Paul  and  Silts  fang  praifes  to  God 
after  they  were  beaten  with  many  dripes ,  thruft  into  the 
inward  prifon ,  their  feet  being  made  faft  in  the  ftockes. 
Affii&ions  (  wee  fee  )  did  quicken  np  the  Apoftles ,  ma- 
king them  more  chearefull  and  lively ,  they  being  glad  to 
be  (6  honoured,  and  preferred  of  God.  Their  confeience 
was  to  them  acontinnall  feaft ,  'Proverbs  15. 15.  And  their 
good  caufe  increafed  their  comfort  under'  the  crofTe,  yeafo 
that  the  greater  their  crofle,  the  greater  was  their  comfort , 
a  Cor.  1.4,5. 

Thirdly,  Whether  it  be  true  or  no  (I  know7  not)  that  is  re- 
corded of  the  Mufcovians ,  that  it  is  holden  for  a  great 
grace  inMufcovia  forafervant  to  beftrickenof  his  matter,  a 
wife  of  her  husband ,  or  a  Noble  of  the  great  Duke.  For  if 
any  of  the  Nobles  happen  to  be  frricken  with  a  cudgell,  he 
replies  ,  Health  and  ftfety  attend  yoa  my  Lord  and  great 
King,  vho  bafl  vouch fafed  t§  reclaime  me  by  thefe  flripes.  Yet 
I  am  fure  that  renowncfull  honour  is  from  hence.  From 
hence  it  was  that  the  Saints  did  glory  in  tribulation,  Rom.  ?.  3. 
And  Saint  Paul  in  the  croffe  of  our  Lord  lefts  Chrift,  Gal.  6. 
1 7.  Thefe  being  glorious  fcarres  and  honourable  maimes : 
Thefe  being  laudable  liveries  of  a  Chriftian  fouldier,  making 
him  conformable  to  Chrift  his  heavenly  Captaine  and  prevai- 
ling Conquerer,  1  P<?f  .4.13,14.  By  thefe  we  glorifie  the  Gad 

D  2  of 


3  6  The  ch^iffun  Cfi*fl<cl.  Chap,^, 

or  all  glory,  Uhn\i>  %9,  y*a  the  Church  and  our  fclves, 
£^.3,1}.  Yea  fo  far  re  forth,  that  the  greater  the  croffe,  the 
greater  the  comfort  in  this  languifhing  life,  and  more  iiluftri- 
ous  crowne  in  that  haven  of  happinefle,  and  heaven  of  biifle, 
Rom  8,17.  lTk*jf.i.<$ 

OfyB*  I«  Bi\t  many  of  Godi  dearefl:  darlings  and  beloved  favourites 

are  deftroyed  in  fiery  tryals,  and  open  perfecution  by  fire  and 
faggot,  flaughtering  fwords,  fainting  famine,and  other  dread- 
full  and  direfull  deaths. 

Attfa*  True,  yet  they  die  not  in  Gods  difpleafure,  but  in  his  fa- 

vour. Their  death  is  no  fhame ,  but  an  honour  to  them. 
They  are  not  deftroyed  in  foule,  but  in  body.  By  the  loflfe 
of  a  temporall  life  full  of  miferics  y  they  obtainc  and  enjoy 
life  eternall  which  is  mod:  happy.  Stormes  and  tempefts 
drive  the  mariners  to  the  haven  ;  fo  troubles  and  afflictions 
the  eleel:  to  their  happy  haven  ,  and  inexpugnable  rocke, 
Chrift  Iefus.  As  the  vine  is  then  fit  for  the  tafte ,  when 
it  hath  beene  crufiied  in  thepreffe  :  the  corne  is  then  fie 
to  make  bread  of  when  it  is  ground  :  the  gold  is  then  pure 
when  it  hath  beene  tryed  in  the  fire:  fo  the  godly  aremoft 
pleafing  vnto  God,  when  they  have  beene  in  the  farnaceof 
affliction. 

Oijeft.  2.  But  perfections  and  afflictions  caufe  backfiidin*  apoftafic 

in  diverfe ,  who  Demos-like  fall  away ;  or  like  the  Itony 
ground ,  who  when  perfecution  or  affliction  arifeth  for  the 
•  WotfJs  fake,immediatly  are  offended,  /W^.4. 1 7. 

tAnfo*  True  in  counterfeit,  not  in  currant  Chriftians :  intime- 

fervers,not  in  truly  religious,  1  I  oh.  2. 1  p.  Though  the  fpu- 
ming  droffis  metals  are  confumed  ,  yet  the  pure  and  precious 
gold  is  purged  by  the  fiery  fining  furnace.  Though  the  dufty 
chafFe  and  empty  grafnes  are  driven  and  blowne  away  by  the 
winnowing  wind,  yet  the  good  and  (blidcorh  is  r>erby  clean- 
fed  ;  although  the  rotten  leaking  veflell  perifheth  by  the  ra- 
ging fea  -.  yet  the  found  Chriftian  like  a  good  fliip,  governed 
by  a  difcreet  and  wife  pilot,  the  more  he  is  locked  and  toffed 
with  thefe  boyfterous  billowes,  the  falter  he  failetb.  A  ihip 
>nd  (tip-man  arc  of  great  credit  afcer  (but  not  before)  they 

have 


S  i  c  t  .  £  iht  ChrlftUn  Qinflitt.  3  7 

have  indured  many  fturdy  weather-beating  (torines,according 
to  that  of  S.  Cyprian,  A  Pilot  it  k»or¥»t  in  a  tempt  ft ;  afonldier 
is  tried  in  battcil* 

Sect.  c\ 

Motive  f .   Drawne  from  the  perfons  affliEling^  boik 
principaU  and  inftrnmentall. 

THe  fift  Motive  drawne  from  the  perfons  afflicting. 
Firft ,  The  prime  and  principal! ,  the  Author  and 
efficient  of  all  our  affli&ions  is  the  Lord  :  of  'Davids  re- 
proachfull  reviling*,  iSamneli6. 10.  of  lobs  extraordinary 
and  unfpeakable  lofTe,  Job  i.  »i.  And  of  all  evill,  Amos  3.7. 
Confider  therefore  advifcdly, 

i.  What  this  God  is  to  us,  namely  amoft  mercifulland 
tender-hearted  Father,  loving  us  entirely,yea  beyond  all  com- 
parifon  and  expreffion. 

2.  W  hy  and  for  what  caufes  the  Lord  fo  gracious  doth  af» 
flid  as,  namely, 

1 .  Either  to  make  manifeft  and  reve'al  openly  the  proper 
lot  and  peculiar  portion  of  the  godly,as  in  AbcL 

2.  To  try  and  take  an  experiracntall  proofeofthe  faith, 
hop?,  patience,  zeale,  love,  conftancy,  and  other  graces  of 
the  righteous,  as  in  lob. 

3.  Toexalt  and  elevate  from  contemned  bafeneflc,to  mag- 
nificent gloryj  as  in  lofepb. 

4.  Tomanifeft  andfhew  Gods  glory,  as  in  the  man  who 
W*s  blind  from  his  birth,  7*6.9.3. 

5 .  To  declare  and  make  it  evident  that  Chrift  his  kingdomc 
is  not  of  this  world,  as  in  his  Apoftles,  lob.  18.36*. 

6.  To  correct  and  chaftife  for  finne  already  committed^  ii> 
David,  %  Sam.  I  2.14.24. 

7.  To  preoccupate  and  prevent  fin  to  come,  as  in  S.  Pan/, 
2  Cor.  1 1.7. 

8.  To  renew  and  re-eftablifh  dying  and  decaying  grace,  as 
in  the  Ifraelites,  Hof.  5.15. 

D  5  '  *  U 


3  8  ihe  Chriftia*  Conflict.  Ch  a  p  .  6. 

p.To  wean  and  withdraw  our  doting  defires  from  the  fweet 
and  fiigred  baits  and  bewitching  enticements  of  this  deceitful! 
world ,  thefe  criicifyiig  us  to  the  world,  and  the  world  to  us, 
CjaL  6. 14.  As  a  nurfeufeth  to  annoint  her  breils  wich  fome 
bitter  woraewood  to  weane  her  child  from  fucking  :  fo  our 
gracious  God  to  withdraw  us  from  the  poyfmouspleauVcs 
and  delights  oi  this  world ,  giveth  us  periecutions  and  af- 
flictions. 

10,  Or  to  make  mute  and  put  to  fhamefull  filence  Sa- 
tan and  his  curfed  co-ad jutours ,  divellifhly  cavilling  a- 
gainft  the  Saints,  faying,  fuch  and  fuch  are  religious  for 
finifter  refpecls ;  gaine,  favour  ,  or  the  like  :  But  if  per- 
fection fhculd  come,  their  hypocrifie  will  be  perfpicu- 
ous.  lob  It.  9,  II.  'Doth  lob  fearc  God  for  nought?  Haft 
thou  not  made  an  hedge  about  him ,  and  about  his  houfe  , 
.and  about  all  that  he  hath  on  every  fide  f  Thou  has!  blef 
fed  the  tzorke  of  his  hands ,  and  his  fub fiance  is  increafed 
in  the  laud :  But  put  forth  thine  hand  now  ,  and  touch  all 
that  he  hath  y  and  he  will  curfe  thee  ta  thy  face.  Chap.  2 . 
Verf.  4.  Satan  anfwered  the  Lord  ,  and  faid  %  Skj*»e  for 
skinne.%  ysa  all  that  a  mm  hath  mil  he  give  for  hts  Ife ; 
'But  put  forth  thine  hand  now  ,  and  touch  his  bow  and' hit 
fi?/b9  and  he  vrill  curfe  thee  to  ihy  face-,  lob  and  other  fin- 
cere  fervants  of  God ,  delivered  into  the  hands  of  Satan 
and  bis  cruell  complices ,  have  manifefkd  the  contrary  to 
thefe  fianderous  objeclers,  that  they  ferve  God  faithfully 
as  well  in  afflicting  adverfity  ,  as  in  delighting  profperity, 
lob  I  3 .  1 5.  lA-lthfugb  he  ktU  me ,  yet-wiM  I  truft  in  him. 
%,  Corinthians  6 '.  4,  5.  'But  in  all  things  approeving  our 
felves  as  the  LMwijlers  of  Cjod ,  in  much  patience ,  in ,af* 
pBions ,  in  nccefftiies ,  in  diUreffes  >  in  firipes ,  in  impri* 
fonmcntSy  in  tumults y  in  l&bours ,  in  veatchivgs ,  in  fail- 
ings ,  &c. 

If  for  either,  any,  or- all  thefe  caufes  the  Lord  doth  or 
(hall  affM  us,  it  is  for  cur  owne  good,  and  therefore  we 
fliould  with  patience  indureit. 

a,  The  perfons  affii&ing  us  ,  inftruraentally  being  as  Gods 

iods- 


S  e  c  t  •  6.  The  Citiftian  CenpSt.  3  £ 

rods,  whereby  he  fmires ;  hislhffe,  wherewith  he  beats  us  j 
and  having  no  ability  to  touch,  fmite,  or  do  any  thing  againll 
us  without  leave  and  lipenfc  from  our  good  and  gracious  God, 
are  either 

1.  Men,  inch  as  cruel!  Cain,  fcoffing/^wf**/,  profane  2T- 
fau,  the  ungodly  Philiftims,  Midianites,  Moabites,  Egypti- 
ars,&c.  Among!}  whom  the  peculiar  people  of  God  Jiva 
likelilliesamongftthornes,  likefheep  amongft  wolves";  yet 
not  therefore  tobedauntedordifmayed,butroindure  with  in- 
vincible resolution,  undaunted  valour,andall  chear full  alacri- 
ty, their  utmoft  fpight  and  extreameft  oppofitions.  Which 
that  we  may  do,  let  us  wifely  and  advifedly  confider, 

t  .  That  they  are  but  Gods  rods,  I  fa.  1  o .  5 .  0  Affyrian  the 
rod  of  mine  anger,  Pfal,  1714  Fr&m  men  which  are  thine  hand 
O  Lord.  By  which  and  with  which  our  heavenly  rather  doth 
correct  us ;  they  not  having  the  leaft  power  of  themfelves  to 
beatand  buffet,  to  afflict  and  fcourge  :  for  had  they  ,tbej  would 
fvrallgw  m  up  q*dckf,T9ben  their wrath  tpos  \eindled  again  ft  pu% 
<PfalA*4  1.  120.3, 

1.  That  when  they  doe  their  worft,  executing  their  com- 
miffion  with  the  keeneft  edge  of  exafperated  violence,  and 
bloudy  cruelty,  whetted  on,  and  fharpned  by  hellifh  fury,  and 
humane  malice,  yet  can  they  onely  kill  our  bodies,  Luk.  1 2.4, 
which  muftofnecelTity  die,  fW.9.27.  It  being  appointed  un- 
to all  men  once  to  die. 

3.  That  although  they  aime  at  nothing  leffe ,  yet  their 
fcourging  of  us  tends  to  our  greater  good,  Rom,  8.  a 8.  we 
knowing  that  all  things  w?ork  together  for  good  to  them  that 
love  God. 

4.  That  thefe  bedlam  beads  and  barking  Belials  fhall 
Severely  fmart  for  grieving  us :  for  as  a  tender-hearted  fa- 
ther when  he  hath  fufficiently  correded  his  child,  rends  and 
teares  the  rod  in  peeces,  throwes  anefcafts  it  from  him  with 
indignation,  or  into  the  fire  to  be  cemfumed,  even  fodeal- 
eth  our  companionate  Father  with  thefe  his  rods »  wit- 
nelTc  Pharaoh  ,  *Ah*h ,  lenbel \  Saul,  sAchitofhet,  Ha- 
***n,  yea  all  the  favage  and  bloudy  pcrfecutors  of  Gods 

D  4  people 


4&  TnchrtpHn  Conptct.         Chap  .6. 

people,  from  their  great  grandfather  Cain]  with  whom 
the  Lord  is  fore  difpleaied  ,  for  he  was  but  a  little  difpleafed 
(with  his  children)  and  they  helped  forward  the  affli<flion, 
Zaeh,  1. 1 5.  The  Lord  was  wrath  with  his  people,  he  gave 
them  into  their  bands,  they  flic  wed  them  no  mercy,  therefore 
&c.  ffa.47. 6<  Take  a  view  of  Gods  vifible  revenge  in  this 
life  upon  the  barbarous  and  favageperfecutors  of  his  people  m 
all  ages.  The  bloudy  Egyptians  which  drowned  the  new-born 
babes  of  the  Krael  of  God ,  were  by  him  drowned  in  the  red 
fea,  EW.  14.28.  /***£*/ thir-fting  after,  and  greedily  drink- 
ing the  bloud  ofthe  Lords  Prophets,  becomes  meat  and  drinke 
to  the  dogs  oF/e^eff/y  2  Kingy  36. 

loofb  who  commanded  his  fervants  to  flay  ZacharUh  the 
(bnne  of  Jehojads ,  was  flaine  himfelfe  by  his  fervants , 
2  C hr o '0.24.21,?;. 

fcx/*fi^/tf  thatbarbarou8  bealt  who  had  tormented  other 
mens  bowels  with  many  and  ftrange  torments,  was  plagued 
with  a  paine  of  the  bowels  which  was  remedileffe,  and  fore 
torments  ofthe  in  ward  parts,  &c.  2  tJMaccab.g^fi.  Yeaall 
the  members  of  his  body  were  much  pained,ver.7.the  worms 
rofe  up  out  of  die  body  of  this  wicked  man,and  whiles  he  lived. 
in  forrow  and  paine,  his  flefh  fell  away,  and  the  fiJthincfTeof 
his  fmell  was  noyfome  to  all  his  army  ,fo  that  no  man  could  in- 
dure  to  cane  him  for  his  intolerable  ft  inke,  9. 10.  And  then 
this  murthercr  and  blafphemer  having fuffered  mod  grievouf- 
ly,  as  he  intreated  other  men,  (b  died  he  a  miserable  death  in  a 
ftrange  countrey  in  the  mountaincs,  2  8. 

The  Herodian  family,by  whofe  cruell  commandements  the 
harmleffe  infants,  lobn  theEaptifl  and  the  Apoftle  S.  lames 
were  martyred,plagued  with  dokfull  &  drcadr'ull  deflruclion. 
Herod  thegreat,befides  the  many  miferies  and  tragicall  cala- 
mities which  befell  his  family,  he  was  fmitten  with  a  difeafe 
fo  hideous  and  horrible  that  manifefted  the  Lords  wrathful. re- 
venge for  his  bloudy  anderimfon  crying  cruelties.    From  that 
EuCel  Hift  Tib    tim*?ctyes  did  qntcklj  tdkf  hii  whole  bodj,  and  made  it  fnbjeU 
1  e.g.  p.  i  q,  ox  tofssndfj  griefs  fir  he  had  a  b timing  feaver$  an  intolerable  itch 
Jofepk.  evert  be  whole  skinne^  continjtaH paints  of  the  fundament,  About 

hii 


S *  c  r  \69         The  Chrifiian  dnflifi.  4 1 

bis  feet  a4i  rftrt  drofficftv  el  lings,  an  inflammation  tfthe  bUd- 
deryr0'C*nejfe  of  tbtfrivie  members,  full  of  vrormes,  befidts 
•fa'  *"d  difficult  breathing,  convmlfions  of  all  the  members  : 
ftthattbej  that  were  infptred  from  above  (aid  that  thefe  fttk? 
neffes  were  a  revengement*  And  this  monfter  of  men  know- 
ing how  hee  was  hated  for  his  cruelty,  commanded 
that  the  principal!  men  of  the  Ievves  Should  be  imprifbned,and 
flaine  at  his  death,  that  fo  the  Iewes  might  be  forced  to  lament 
at  the  fame. 

2.  Herod  Antipas  that  notable  hypocrite  who  beheaded  EafebML: 
lohn^ni  derided  Chrift,  an  enemy  to  the  Church  and  truth,  1  i-peig.iz* 
was  vanquished  and  banifhed  with  Herodiai  to  Vienna. 

3.  Herod  Agrifpa  a  violent  perfecutor  of  the  Church,  fbtd* 
A8t  12.  was  fm  it-ten  by  the  Angell  of  the  Lord  and  eaten 
with  wormes. 

Pilate  that  wicked  judge  who  condemned  ourblefledSa-  Mhreldescd, 
viour  being  called  home  a gaiue  to  Rome,  laid  violent  hands  mofpagzzi* 
upon  him(elfe,his  dead  body  was  tormented  by  fpirits  after  a 
dreadfull  manner,&c. 

Nero  that  infernal  1  fury,  breathing  out  rigorous  and  raging 
perfecutions  againft  Gods  people,aficr  divers  dreadfull  dr- 
itreiTes,  hearing  that  he  was  jadged  by  the  Senate  an  enemy,  Sncton.Nero6o 
and  was  fought  for  to  bee  puni&ed  after  the  ancient  cu-  ?<*<£•  249» 
flome,  namely  his  necke  to  be  put  into  agallowes,  and  his 
body  being  naked  to  be  beaten  to  death  with  rods,  he  flew 
himielfe. 

Domitian  as  Sufbiu*  reports,  a  great  perfecutor  of  the  Sumn^°^ 
Church  of  God,  was  ilaine  in  his  chamber  by  his  owne  fcr-     z't&*lSm 
vants,  his  wife  Domitia  being  privy  thereunto,  and  his  dead 
body  was  contemptuously  caried  out  by  the  bearers  of  dead 
bodies  like  a  cur-throatc. 

Trajtw,Hadrianar)d  Antoninus*  not  oneiy  tafted  o£  but 
alfo  drtinkc  deepe  of  the  Lords  cup  of  plagues  and  pu- 
uiflMients  for  tbebloud  or  his  Saints,  which  they  with  fuch 
beaftly  and  greedy  crueltie  and  immanity  had  fhed  as  water 
upon  the  ear:h.  ste&clwj 

Sfarjti  betrayed  and  flaine  by  his  ownc  fouldiers.  lib.  i.e.  i.j.ziQ 

'Decius 


42  The  CbrifiUn  Confltii.  QH  AP .  6, 

pain'7tC%  U       *&*****  before  he  had  reigied  two  yearns  was  u-mQ  witli 

^6'    '  his children. 

VaUrianus  his  feare full  end  is  thus  fet  dp wne  by  C**ft**tfae 

Pag.it i.  in  his  Oration  to  the  Saints.  *^U(o  thou  Valeriana*  fhewu^ 
the  fame  cruelty  -on  Gods  fervants,  hjifi  determined  as  it 
were  before  all  mens  eyes  the  jusl  and  holy  judgements  of  god, 
yphenlbou  being  taken  captive  and  bound  wasl  led  clothed  in 
purple,  and  other  like  kingly  apparell;  and  after  by  Saporet 
the  King  of  the  Per  fans,  was!  commanded  to  have  thy  skjn 
plucked  off \  and  thou  to  be  powdered  with  fait :  thou  h*ft  fet 
up  before  all  mens  eyes,  an  everlasling  figne  of  thy  ca- 
lam;  tie. 

thil  'Dioelejiatts  (under  whom  was  the  greateft  and  moft  grie- 

vous perfccution)  direfull  and  delerved  deftrudion  for  his 
cruelty  againft  the  members  of  the  Lord  Iefus,  is  delcribed  in 
the  Chapter  following  in  the  fame  Oration, 
-.V./hio.        Galerius  was  killed  with  an  ulcer  in  his  privie  mem-^ 
bers  full  of  wormes,   and  moft  loathfome  with  a  deadly 
ftinke. 

CMaximiates  vanquished  by  Licinius  was  plagued  of  God 
as  followeth,  Therefore  a  torment  fent  by  thcfficciall  appoint-* 
went  of  God  did fuddenly  take  him,  taking  its  beginning  from 
kieflcfb,  andmakjngits  progreffe  even  to  his  foul*:  for  afud* 
daine  mattering  happened  to  him  in  the  inmoslfccretsef  hie  bo- 
dy, afterward  in  the  loweft  parts  a  fi flu lorn  ulcer,  and  from  thefe 
a  certaine  raging  eviS  feeding  upon  the  inward  bowellst  and  a\ 
bidden  multitude  efwormes  breaking  out,  and  breathing  out  a 
deadly  fi  inks, the  whole  rifing  of  the  body  being  changed  through 
the  abundance  of  meat  e  before  the  difeafe  into  fat  neffc\which  then 
being  matteredyeelded  an  int  otter  *blc  and  horrible  jpe  blade  to 
thofe  which  came  neare  himjheref ore  font*  of  the  Phyfttians  not 
being  able  to  indure  the  intoBerable  ftinlte  wereflaine :  others  bc~ 
caufe  the  whole  body  being  fweffed,  there  was  no  hope  of  health 
remaining,  and  becaufe  they  could  net  do  any  thing  to  keale  him9 

gufcb.Eccl.hi ft  were  alfi  cruelty  flaine.    At  the  I  aft when  he  was  affliiled  with 

lib  9xap.\7.     fuch  evi3s,he  began  to  thinks  what  he  had  done,cauflejfely  againft 

ty  i*.  the  pious  worftjtppers  of  God>&et 

Maxentm 


S  *  c  t  '.  6.  The  chr.iJIUn  Conflict.  4  J 

UHaxertw  was  drowned  like  PbarathjavA  his  army  van-  Eu.Cjhb9> 
quifhcd-ty  Conftantms. 

AKrwardstheArrians  perfection  raged  fb  through  : 
yp'ajfe  caslerr.e  partsy  y  ea  tie  rrhcle  Romane  empire,  effect 
Couftaminople,  that Jcarce any  bUud-thir sly  Kero  did   x.rcife 
fuch  cruelty  as  the  Arrians  did  againsl  Ort bodcxe  Chriftians.       Mlcrcl.  p. 5 6 j . 

'But  behold  the  revenoini  eye  efCjod,  tthicb  fent  donne  fir  ft 
§faH  baylehlee  a  bowletn  the greatnejje  ef  hands,  hl(e  flouts  t* 
kardneffr,  and  fmote  many  m?n  and,  catteiy  afterwards  over- 
threw Nicaa :  after  that  dtfiroyed  Pbrygiawitb  a  very  great 
famine ,  and  Valns  himfelfe  ting  -Rounded  by  the  Goths  it 
fghty  whe*  be  did  convaj  bimfelfe  into  a  fhepheards  Cot- 
tage, was  burnt  with  {ire  throwne  inr  and  wanted  to  mm** 
bur  tail. 

Arrive  fitting  to  cafe  nature  his  inwards  and  all  his  bowells  j?uj;n.  Mift. 
did  run  our,and  fo  in  fuch  a  place  he  came  to  naught  and  feare-  Ecd.iib.  1 .  cap* 
fully  periled  with  a  kinde  of  death  fitting  fuch  a  blafphe-   " 3  p- l  *9- 
ihous  and  filthy  wretch. 

Jutianthc  ApoPtata,and tyrannical perfecitor of  the Sains,  Abrah.B- 
warring  agai  aft  the  Pet  funs,  was  wounded  with  a  dart  (by  a  cerp.6$o. 
horfcman,or  as  Theodoret  reports,  be  was  found  ireunded,  un-  L^ 
eertaine  whether  by  an  Angell ot 'man,  but  sertain?  wbofoever  paT.^6^. 
didit,he  was  a  'Jliinifttr  of  Cjods  wi/l)  andbeinn  thus  wounded 3 
be  filled  his  hand  with  bloud,  threw  it  into  the  ayr*,  utter isg 
thefe  words ,  O  CjaliUantbou  haft  cvrcom*.  ssi  little  before 
tbe  death  of  this  blond?  wretch  Libanius  Iulians  teacher  in  Pa- 
ganifmc,fcoffingly  asked  a  CbrifHnu  Schooltm  tiler,  what  the  Abral  B. 
Carpenters  fo»ne  was  doing,  keatfwtred ,  hefrepareth  *  coffin  p-(~ 
for  Iulian,  *>£#>&  w is  ic*tiy  fulfilled. 

Iulian  Vnkletothe  fore  named  Iulian,  was  takf*  with  a 
grievous  difeafe,  and  periled,  kisbowells  rotting,  whentheex- 
crewnntswere no  more.canvajed out  by  their  parages,  but  that 
cuffed  mouth,  which  had  been*  the  inHrument  ofblafpbemy^was 
tbep.%ff>igeoftbem.  They  report  tbtt  his  wife,  awomanftngu-  Tlcol  i": 
largoed  tn  faith,  faid  to  her  husband,  it  is  meet  ( 0  htufund)  cap  1  j. J>.g6j , 
that  thou  (hou/defl  fraife  Chrisl  the  Saviour,  who  by  this  in- 
ftrufian  bath  fawedtbec  bis  power :  for  thou  did  ft  net  know, 

againft 


fAl 


*  CprihM  Ar~ 

27.^537. 
b  Lib .6. c.  17. 
Abrab.  Buchol, 


p.66 


ikinp.Gt'). 


Hlcrclp^67*l 


Abrab  Buchol. 
p.66}. 


!&M  ib-£.6Ci 


ffc^p.JJ. 


44  T**  Chripm  Confliil.  Ch  a  p  .  5. 

4£4**/?  whom  thou  didft  contend,  &?. 

Felix  alfo  wasatfailed  with  a  divine  fcoiirge  ;  for  f*edding 
bloud  night  and  day  by  his  mouth,  when  from  all  the  ?arts 
of  his  body,  alihis  blond  in  his  body  was  come  out  of  ins 
mouth  he  dyed. 

EudoxU  the  Empreffe  of  Conftantinople,  that  wretched 
Herodiasy  and  implacable  perfecutrix  of  renowned  Chryfo- 
flow,  who  al waies  breathed  out  bloud  and  bitterneffc  againft 
him,  was  fmitten  with  death  the  fourth  day  after  his  banijh* 
mint  for  that  canfe,  and  both  flee  dad  other  bis  enraged  *  ene* 
mies  brought  Gods  judgements  upon  tbe  city  (namely  afeare- 
full  hayle)  and  them/elves,  as  a  Socmen  and  b  Socrates 
report. 

AnaftaftHs%  terrified  with  thunder,  and  lightning,  running 
from  chamber  to  chamber  through  feare,  was  flainc  by  thun- 
der and  lightning. 

Radagaifus,  although  he  had  in  his  army  above  two  hun- 
dred thoufandGorhes,  yet  being  terrified  from  heaven,  was 
taken  alive,  and  flaine,and  that  huge  holt  mifcrably  fcattered, 
foldorflaughtered. 

gundecins  the  Vandal  was  flaineby  the  DivelJ. 
Hunericust  called  fceleratiffimus,  mosl  wicked  in  whofe 
dayetif 'any  /hall got  about  to  [hew  thofe  things  which  are  done 
in  the  city  of  Carthage  he  cannot  Jhew,  no  not  the  names  of  tbe 
torments.  This  barbarous  bloody  butcher  had  Gods  hand  fe 
upon  him,  that  his  body  was  Jo  putrified  with  wormes  crawling 
and  bur/ling  out  of  it,  that  not  a  body9  but  the  farts  of  a  body 
were  buryed* 

Attila  the  King  of  the  Hunt,  having  largely  drunJeewiue  at 
4  marriage  feafi  in  the  night  Jf]  bloud  comming  forth  ofhisowne 
noflrills  was  choaked. 

Alboinus  who  vowed  to  root  out  allChriftiaus,  andragiugfy 
began  to  per  forme  tbe  famey  compelling  bis  wife  Rofomond 
(being  merry  in  Verona)  to  drinke  out  of  her  fathers  skf*U9 
whom  he  had  flainc,  was  flaine  by  Helmichild,  perfwaded 
fa  to  doe  by  Rofomond  in  revenge  of  that  indignity  0 feted 
u  her* 

giUmtt 


S  b  c  T.7,  The  Chrijltin  Cwflifi.  45 

gitimer  a  bloudy  parricide  and  cruell  persecutor  of  the  Abrab  Bucfol, 
faithfull  being  overcome  by  Hellifarius,  and  inclofed  in  a  hill  £.^7» 
defired  a  friend  of  his  to  fend  him  a  harpe,a  loafe  and  a  fpunge, 
aloafe,becaufe  of  along  time  he  had  not  feene  any  baked 
bread,  aharpetoaiTvvage  his  nailery,  andafpunge  to  wipe 
away  his  tea  res. 

De  Kqm 1, (a blouiy  perfecatour  ofthempf ~Msriniol)wu  AthSc  Mo.t. 
tht  m?j}  wick*d  and  cruell  m  \n  andaffli:led  the  poors  Chrjfli* 
ans  *itb  mo&  cruell  tormfnts  that  could  be  dtvifed,  the  leafl 
painethat  ever  he  tormented  any  by,  was  thiix  to  fill  their 
bootes  full  of  boy  ling  greafe,*nd  toeaufe  them  to  be  pulled  on, 
and  to  be  holdm  before  a  great  fire,  andfo  to  end  their  lives \ 
whereof  the  King  bring  advertifed  commanded  that  hefbwld  be 
cajl  into  prifbn  and  condemned,  whereof  he  having  knowledge^ 
withdrew  himfelfe  to  Avinion,  whereas  within  afhort  (pace  he 
fell  fick*  of  a  terrible  difeafe,  unknowne  to  any  Phy(itioa,ex+ 
treamepaines  and  torments  were  in  all  his  body,  and  there  was 
no  ointment,  nor  fomentation  that  could eafe  him  one  minute  of 
an  homer,  neither  was  there  any  man  that  could  tarry  neare 
about  him9  wherefore  he  was  car ied  to  the  Hofpitall,  and  there 
commanded  to  be  well  intreated,  but  no  man  dnrfl  come  neare 
unta  him  for  the  great  ft  inch  that  came  out  of  hid  body,  infomuch 
that  the  fit  lb  fell  away  by  great  peeces  and  gobbets  :  hti  body  wis 
repleate  with  fores  full  of  vsr  mine,  and  wormts,  and,  oftentimes 
in  great  rage  he  would  fay,  in  wbatpaine  and  torment  am  I  now  ? 
now  I  remtmber  the  great  eviUs, and  oppreffions  that  I  have  done 
Mnt§  the  poors  men,and  k*ow  that  for  that  only  caufe  lam  affaild 
oneverypart.  Who  will  kill  me  ?  and  deliver  me  out  of  this  di* 
ftretfe  that  I  languifh  not  in  theft  torments  ?  And  he  himfelfe 
mt  heino^able  to  abidf  the  flinch  of  hid  body,  afaied  divers  times 
to  kill  himfelfe  but  he  had  not  the  power fo  to  doe,  thus  this  cruell 
Homi-side  and  bla/pbemer  received  C9nfujton,os  ajvsl  reward  of 
bis  cruelties, 

To  reherfe  onelj  the  horrible  end  of  Rock  wood  the  chiefs  A&.&  Moa. 
(hrrerup,  ofalltheaffUBions  aforefpo^en  of  (againffc  the  Prote- 
ctants in  Ca'lice)  when  cvtn  to  the  la  ft  breath  (larizg  and  raging, 
he  cryed  he  wxs  utterly  damned,  being  willed  to  as{  God  mercy 

who 


4^  The  ChriftUn  Conflict.  Chap.  6. 

who  was  ready  to  forgive  all  that  asked  mercy  of  him,  be  brayed 
and  cry ed  out,  all  to  late,  for  1  h me  fought  mattciettjlj  the 
deaths  of  a  number  of  the  honesleft  men  in  the  townc,  and  though 
1  fo  thought  them  in  my  heart,  yet  I  did  that  lay  in  mee  t$  bring 
them  to  tv'tU  death,  all  to  late  therefore  all  to  late. 

2.  Gr  Divels.Truzh  is,  the  divcls  malice  againft  as  is  inve- 
terate, and  fo  exceeding  great,  that  he  will  not  be  wanting  to 
doe  us  what  mifchiefe  foever  he  can,  although  thereby  he  ag- 
gravates his ownc damnation.*  Neither  is  his  cra^t  inferiour 
to  his  hatred,  he  being  the  old  fubtill  Serpent.  He  is  alfo  as 
cruell  as  fraudulent,  being  the  great  red  Dragon,  and  the  roa- 
ring Lyonfeeking  whom  he  maydevoure.  And  as  powerfull 
as  truculent,  being  the  ftrong  man  armed,  the  prince  ofdark- 
neffe,  the  God  of  this  world,and  daring  to  contend  with  Mi- 
chad.  Yet  need  we  not  either  Faint  or  feare  but  rnuft.  and  may 
encounter  his  fierce  and  fiery  darts.with  comfort  and  courage, 
with  patience  and  puiftance.  To  this  end  confider 

i.  That  this  divell  fo  potent  and  politique,  fo  malevolent 
and  mifebievous,  isfubjed  and  fubordinate  to  God  our  mer- 
cirlill  protedor  and  gracious  father,  from  whom  the  evillfpi- 
rit  received  a  commifTion  to  deceive  Ahabs  falfe  Prophets, 
I  King.  22.  21,13.  Sathan  had  licenfe  and  liberty  given 
and  granted  to  affiid  fob,  lob  1. 11.  2.6.  And  without 
whofe  leave  the  Divells  could  not  enter  into  fvvine,  iJMatth. 

8.31. 

2.  That  as  the  raging  reftleflfe  Ocean  cannot  exceed  its  li- 
mited bounds,  lob  2  S.i  0,1 1.  So  neither  can  this  raging  rave- 
nous lyon  tranfeend  his  permitted  limits :  He  may  fife  Saint 
Peterytt  can  he  not  make  his  faith  to  faile,  Luk^i  1.31,3  2.  He 
may  buffet  Saint  P*«/,but  not  vanqwifti  him ,  2  Qor*  1 2. p.  en- 
dure we  therefore  hardneffe. 


SectJ 


OEcr.j,  TbcChiJtunC$nfli8.  47 

Sic  t.  7. 

Motive  6.  Drawne  from  the  kind* s  of  them.  I  Loffe  of 

riches.  2  Famine.  3  Exile.  4  Death.  5  want  of 

bnrifdl.  6Reproches. 

THe  fixt  Motive  drawne  from  the  kindes  of  afflictions. 
Stay  a  little,  paufe  a  while,  examine  ftri&ly  and  ferioufly, 
fome  of  thofe  particular  preffures  which  feemc  moft  dread- 
full  and  diftaftfull,  ponder  punctually  and  precifely  upon 
them :  fearch  and  fee  if  any  affliction  is  fo  adverfe  ;  if  any 
hardnefle  is  fo  barm,that  a  Chriftian  fouldier  may  rot  endure 
with  patience  and  piety  conftancy  and  cheerefullnefie. 

Firft,  Is  the  lofle  of  riches  incompatible  and  infufferable 
in  thy  conceit  and  apprehcnfion,  O  thou  felecl  fouldier  of 
Chrift.  Then 

1.  Heare  what  Bus  a  heathen  man,  when  he  loft  all  by  the  Omnia  mea 
enemies  fpoy ling  his  countrcy  Priene,  faid,  I  carry  whatfoe-  meeumpom* 
vcr  is  mine  with  me  meaning  his  vertue  aud  learning.  Tul.parad. 

2.  Heare  what  rich  and  religious  ?<*#/***/,  Bifhop  ofNola 
faid, when  the  cruell  Goths  had  ruined  the  citty  and  robbed 

him  of  all  as  well  as  others,  Lord  I  am  not  grieved  for  gold  and  Aug.lihiJe 
Jiivcrython  knowefi  inhere  all  my  treafure  £,  namely  in  heaven,  civit.VcL  cap* 
where  it  could  not  be  taken  from  him.  I0» 

3.  Heare  how  joyfully  the  primitive,  Chriftians  tooke  the 
fpoyling  ofali  their  goods,  £k£.  10.34.  And  took* \oy fully  the 
fpojh»g  of  your  goods. 

4,  Heare  how  patiently  and  piciifly  that  holy  man  lob  fuffe- 
red  the  lode  of  all,  lob  1.2 1.  nakedcame  1  out  of  my  mothers 
womb^and  naked  fjall  I  return  thither  active  :  the  Lord  bath 
given  and  takeuawajJ?U{fed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

5 .  Heare  what  Saint  Avguflinc  faid  of  Chriftians  ftript  and 

fpoyled  of  their  fubftance.   They  have  loft  all :  whether  have  AvgM.  1  2>e 
they  loft  their  piety  t  whether  the  irfaithi  whether  the  good  things  civit>  ^ei  tap. 
of  the  inveard  mAU>  which  is  rich  before  god  I  Thefe  are  the  ri-   l  °' 
*hes  of  Chriftians.   Qodlineffe  «  their gune^  looftng  therefore 

theft 


4*  7ktChtifihn  Cctfiicl.  Ch  a  p. 6\ 

the fe  things  they  cry  aU  stitb  lob,  rich  within,  fcerenitbout, 
naked  came  I9&c.  bleffedbethe  namty&c% 

6.  Conftder  and  iee  that  thefe  riches  arc  fuch,  which  wee 
neither  brought  into  this  world,  neither  can  we  carry  them 
away,   I  Tim.6.j,  We  brought  nothing  into  xhu  nor  id,  and  tt  is 

tbid.  certaine  we  can  cary  nothing  cut.    Saint  Augttfiim  would  not 

have  Chriftians  grieved  for  the  lofle  of  thofe  thirgs  whiles 
they  live,  which  they  mull  fbone  leave  when  they  die. 

7  Conftder  what  promiles  cur  Saviour  makes  to  all  foch 
who  for  fake  houfes,  lands,  or  any  thing  for  his  fake  and  the 
Gofpels,  Mattb.i^.iS,  faying  fuch  fhall  receive  an  hun- 
dred fold,  that  is,  he  fhall obtains  fo  much  glory yfo  much  grace, 
fo  much  wonder  full  felicity, that  (hat profit  him  an  hundredfold 
more  then  the  thing  which  he  lc&.  He  who  bath  for faken  afa~ 
thery  andchofen  god  tobehu  father,  it  is  mwifeft  that  he  hath 
received more,  then  an  hundred  fold  a  car  nail  father.  He  who 
for  fakes  a  mother ,e hat  he  may  love  more  his  mother  the  Church, 
hath  not  he  an  hundredfold  more  then  a  carnail  mother  I     He 

ebryfoft.Hom.  who  for  fakes  a  brother  that  he  may   have  Chrijl  his  brother, 

tt.incapi?.     hath  not  he  better  then  an  hundred  brothers  f    faith  Saint 

Mtt.v.iS.         Chryfoftome, 

And  methinkes  you  cannot  but  contentedly  part  with  your 
fubftance  when  the  Lord,  the  right  owner  of  it  requires  it,and 
to  take /oyfully  and  Chriftianly  the  fpoyling  of  your  goods, 
knowing  in  your  felves  that  youhave  in  heaven  abetter  and 

Hcb.10.34,      an  enduring  fubftance. 

Secondly,  Art  thou  aftonicd  and  affrighted  with  fearcof 
famine,  a  mifery  fo  ponderous  and  infupportable,  that  David 
made  choyce  of  the  deftroying  peftilence,  2  Sam.  24.  The 
diftreffed  Lepers  of  the  (laying  (word  rather  then  this, 2  Kin. 
7.4,5.  That  it  is  called  one  of  Gods  evill  arrowes,  £>.?£.  5. 
1 6.  And  no  rnarvaile,  it  caufing  the  Ifraelites  to  defire  Egip- 
tiacall  bondage  rather  then  this,£*.  1 6.3.  It  conftrainmg  ten- 
der-hearted mothers  toeat their owne children, 2 King,6.229 
19.  Notwithstanding  armc  and  animate  thy  felfe  to  endure 
even  this.  And  that  by  confidering 
t .  The  good  that  it  hath  done  and  may  doe.  It  brought  the 

riotous 


S  i  c  t  .f.  7le  Cbriflidn  fiv/Iiff.  49 

riotous  lafcivious  prodigall  tofight  and  fenfe  of  hisfin,totrue 

and  faving  repentance,L*^,  1 5 . 1 4, 1  %,  1 6.  It  bath  taken  thofe 

whom  it  bath  killed  from  the  miferies  of  this  life,  as  the  fclpeffes 

of the body y    whom  it  bath  notktlledjt  hath  taugbt  to  live  more  ^¥M^ 

tfariugly,tofasl  more  often  fihh  S.  Augufline.  ZlTi! 

2.  The  hurt  it  cannot  doe.  Ic  could  not  caufe  our  Saviowr 
to yccld  to  Sathans fuggeftions,  UMatth^.^^lt never coufd, 
tior  can  conftraine  Gods  people  to  prove  Apoftates,  Rom.%. 
35.  What  iliall  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  God  in  Chrift  ? 
foall  famine?  Nay,&c.  2  Cor.  11.27. 

Thirdly,  Doth  the  thought  of  captivity  Co  cruell,which  ufii- 
ally  is  accompanied  with  wofull  lamentation,  fpightfall  rc- 
proachesjunaptnene  to  ferve  God.  Tfal.  1 27, 1 , 7 ,4.  Loffe  of 
peculiar  inheritance,  bitter  bondage,  and flaviffo  fiibjedion  e- 
ven  to  icrvants,  Lam.*)  .2. 5 .8.  Yet  animate  thy  felfe  to  endure 
this  alfo,which  indeed  is  moft  miferable,  ifChriftians  could  AngXteeti- 
be  afligned  to  any  place,  where  they  could  not  find  their  God,  wtrDtUap*  1  <v 
Butfince  theearth  is  the  Lords  therefore  thou  canft  not  be  cap-  Pa£-17* 
tivated  out  of  thy  tathersland  and  countrieyfow*  the  paflage  or 
fare  condu&  of  a  Saint  or  holy  one  to  heavc.is  ea(y  &  free  From 
every  nation.  Since  while  thou  art  Commorant  in  thine  owne 
native  countreyjthon  art  a  pilgrim,  and  apaflenger,  and  when 
tliou  art  in  captivity  thou  art  but  a  ft  ranger  and  forreincr.  He 
is  a  QhrifHan  faith  S.  Auguftine,  who  acknowledged  bimfelfe  to  Aug. Tom.  1 9  ' 
he  a granger  in  bis  own  houfe>andin  hi*  own  country  \our  country  Serm.i  --de 
it  above  jthere  we  [boll  not  be  ft  rangers*   For  every  one  here  even  ^trbk  7)amin% 
in  hie  owne  country  is  ague  ft  :  if  he  it  not  ague fl  he  /hall not  paffe 
thence :  if  he  is  about  to  depart  he  is  a  gut rft :,  let  hint  not  deceive 
bimfelfe,  will  he  ni3he,be  is  a  g ueft.  And  a  certaine  writer  faith, 
Thy  country  u  where focver  thou  art  weBz  to  be  well  is  not  in  a 
place  Jtut  in  a  man  htmfelfc—*(bort  exile  fhafi  tranflate  thee  fee-         . 
ner  to  thy  country ,  and  give  thee  smother  country  better  by  f arte,  *    '*  Cmit 
whence  theyfiaSbe  banifbedthat  wifbed  thee  an  exile.  Since  the         X  °* 
lord  doth  never  faile  to  be  a  comforter,to  leave  &  forlake  his 
although  in  excruciating  captivity,  although  under  barbarous  Bzck,ix.i£  ] 
fevages,al  though  in  the  bowels  of  the  whale,  &  bottome  of  the 
fca^  witnefle  lofeph,  DanieL  and  lonah.  Since  the  Churchof 

E  God 


JO  JhcChrljliA*  Conflitt.  Chap.5, 

God  in  general,  and  many  the  deareft  favourites  of  God  in 
particular,  have  drunke  deepcand  often  of  the  mod  (harpc 
and  aigre  ingredient  mixtures  of  this  bitter  cup :  Since  heathen 
men,  having  no  hope  nor  promife  of  future  felicity  have  en- 

Tu&.Of.lib-s.  dured  patiently  and  willingly,  dreadfull  captivities,  for  their 
honour  and  countries  fake:  witneiTe  Marem  Anilim  Reg»liuy 
who forhU  honours  fake  promifmg  to  returne  himfelfe,  or 
their  Carthaginean  Captives  rand  for  his  countries  fake,know- 
ing  that  the  prifoners  to  be  exchanged,  would  be  more  peril- 
lous,then  he  could  be  profitable  to  his  country,  did  voluntarily 
returne  te  captivity  in  Carthage,  to  finiffe  his  daies  under  hor- 
rible tortures.6"  Let  every  fouldier  of  Chrift  Iefus  for  the 
glory  of  God  and  his  Gofpell,  forChriftand  his  conscience 
lake,  having  an  affured  hope  of  the  unperifhable  crowne  of 
glory,  grounded  upon  the  infallible  promife  of  the  Lord  of 
glory,rcfolve  to  endure  even  this  alfo. 

Fourthly,  "Doth  violent  death  wholly  difquiet and  difmay 
thee, this  fecming  infufferable,infupportable  :  yea  fo  that  the 

0tjo3%  very  remembrance  thereof  doth  amaze  and  appale  thee?  for 

thou  art  certainly  perfwaded  thou  canft  not  endure  fiich  and 

Anfw%  iuch  terrible  tortures  and  dolorous  deaths,as the  glorious  Mar- 

tyrs have  formerly  fuffered.  And  wbj  maift  not  thou  have  the 
feme  Chriftian  resolution  to  endnre,the  fame  pious  courage  & 
comfort  in  fu&ering,  which  the  former  Martyrs  had?  you  are 
men  &  fo  were  they.  To  them  it  was  given  in  the  behalfc  of 
Chrifttofurrerforhisfake,  Pbil.%.i9.  and  why  may  it  not  be 

Obieft.  granted  to  you  al fo?  we  want  thofe  valourous  refolutions,  that 

undaunted  courage,  and  thofe  impregnable  confolating  com- 

Anfw*  forts  which  they  had.  What  then?  we  give  our  children  fmall 

knives  to-make  &  mend  pens  for  writing,greater  to  carve  and 
cut  their  meat,  not  fwords,  not  bills  or  fuch  like  inftruments, 
becaufc  not  ufefull,  unneceflary  for  mch  imployments.  We 
give  our  fervants  and  workmen  hatchets,  wedges,  aud  beetles 
to  cleave  and  cut  wood,  axes  to  fell  trees;  we  fend  our  fouldi- 
ours  into  the  field  with  armour  and  weapons,  not  with  knives 
or  fuch  like  things:  The  imployments  requiring  ftronger  and 
moreufefulltooles,  we  afford  them  i  And  will  not  God  ? 

doubtleffe 


Sect. 7*  TheCbtilHanC$hflif3.  51 

doabtleffe  he  will  add  abilities,  as  hec  addcth  afflictions* 
Certainely  he  will  caufe  our  confolation  to  abound  by  Chrift, 
as  the  fuflferings  of  Chrift  abound  in  us,   2  CVr.1.5.     Aa 
yet  we  need  not  fuch  graces  in  fo  great  and  ample  meaforc, 
we  therefore  want  them.   But  if  our  gracious  God  and  mer- 
ciful father  hathdefigned  and  marked  us  out  for  the  lame 
furfcrings  for  the  fame  caufe,  and  we  ufe  the  fame  confcioi*a« 
b!e  care  and  diligence  by  the  fame  fandified  meanes  to  ob- 
taine  the  felfe  lame  graces,  we  need  not  feare  the  enjoyment 
of  them.    *But  *hj  O  you  Chriftian  fouldiers  are  you  afraid 
to  endure  and  fuffer  death  for  Chrift  and  his  Gofpels  lake  ? 
That  a  man  whofe  chiefeft  treafure,  hearty  affections,  hea- 
ven and  happinefie  is  here  upon  earthly  felicities,  Ihould  trem- 
ble at  the  fight  and  remembrance  of  death,   is  no  unwonted 
thing,  it  marring  all  his  mirth  and  merriment :   impayring 
all  his  joy  and  jollity :  (tripping,  and  making  him  naked  of 
all  his  hopes  and  happinefle.   Tint  that  you  whofe  God  is  the 
Lord,  who  are  the  fouldiers  of  Chrift,  whofe  treafure  is  laid 
up  in  heaven,  (to  whom  I  onely  now  fpeake)  Ihould  bee 
afraid  of  death,  ftiould  not  eutcrtaine  it  as  welcome  metlen- 
ger  of  gladfome  newes,  is  not  a  little  to  be  wondered  at,  and 
much  to  be  lamented.  S.Cyprian  faith  well,  To  the  enemies  of 
ChriHit  U  a  plague,  to  thefervamts  of  god  a  profitable  depar- 
ture :  the  righteous  are  called  to  comfort  f  ho  vickfd  are  drawrti 
topuniflmetit. 

i.  This  ends  our  toylelbme  rigorous  race,  and  brings  us  to 
our  triumphant  reward. 

2.  This  arrives  us  out  of  the  forging  lea  of  dolefull  forrow* 
at  the  glad  fome  haven  of  endlefle  ha  ppineffe. 

3.  ThU  fi  niftieth  our  fatall  fight,giving  us  a  mod  honoura- 
ble viclory  over  all  our  hideous  and  hurtfull  foes. 

4.  Thi*  accomplifheth  our  lalTitudinous  wearifomenefle 
and  tiring  painefoll  labours,  bringing  us  to  perpetiull  peace, 
and  never-ending  red. 

5.  By  this  we  are  exempted  and  freed  from  the  corruption 
of  our  nature  and  inquinating  iniquity,  offending  ©ur  uood 
God,andladdingour©waioiiles  2  toperfc&i©nofgrace,and 

E  z  full- 


*5  z  The  chiflUn  Conflict.         Chap.  6 J 

fullnefle  of  fanflification :  from  mournefiill  miferies  and  fid- 
ding  forrowes  to  immortall  glory  and  incredible  folace:  firom 
innumerable  ficknefles,  inevitable  and  infupportable  difeafes^ 
to  immutable  fafety,and  perfect  fanity. 

6.  £j>f£«  we  are  taker*  from  dolefull  paine,  to  delightful! 
pleafure :  from  fervile  bondage,  to  joy  full  liberty  2  from  our 
wearifome  pilgrimage,  to  our  wi&ed  home :  from  our  earth* 
ly  rotten  tabernacles,  to  our  heavenly  manfions  :  from  the 
fociety  of  Saints  militant  with  and  mixed  amongft  beafts  and" 
Belials,  abfurd  and  unreafonable  men,  where  we  fee  as  in  a 
glafle  darkely,  but  a  glimpfe  and  glimmering  of  the  m- 
somprehenfible  communion  of  glorified  Saints  to  which 
this  brings  us,  namely  an  immediate  fellowfhip  of  Father,. 
Sonne  and  Holy  Ghoft,  that  holy  Trinity,  bleffed  forever, 
of  all  thofc  holy  and  heavenly  Angells,  which  continued  irt 
their  firfteftate,  and  of  the  ianumerable  companies  of  godly 
and  pious  Patriarks  and  Prophets,patient  and  zealous  Martyrs  1 
yaaand  of  all  forts  of  Saints,  whofe  robes  are  waflied  in  the 
bloud  of  the  Lambe,  and  follow  him  whetherfoever  he  goeth? 
where  we  fhall  fee  and  know  Adam,  Snoch^  Abrabtm^Mofety 
D*v$J>EliJ4hy,and  other  ourcorafortablcconfbrts,  compani* 
ens  and  coheires. 

1.  Our  knowledge  there  being  infinitely  more  cleare  and 
perfect  then  here  ^where  yet  we  know  each  other, 

2.  Our  knowledge  then  being  like  that  of  Angels,  who 
know  each  other  perfectly. 

3 .  Our  knowledge  then  being  abundantly  more  excellent 
then  Adamt  in  Paradife,, whofe  then  was  fucb,  that  at  the  firft 
view  and  fight  he  knew  all  creatures,  and  his  wife  fo  exactly, 
as  to  give  names  fignifying  their  natures. 

4.  Our  knowledge  then  without  all  comparifon  fur* 
paffing  that  of  the  Difciples  in  the  Mount,  and  of  Dives 
in  hell:  whichwasfuch  that  by  the  former  they  knew  Mo- 
pes and  Elij*b>  and  by  the  latter  hee  knew  tsfbraham  and 
La^arta. 

5.  We  being  members  of  that  heavenly  company,  mnft 
needs  know  our  head  Chriil  Icfus  and  our  fellow  members. 

6.  Bruit 


S  a  c  t  .  j".  *lht  ChripUn  Cwflitt.  5  } 

*  6.  Bruit  beads,  having  here  a  kind  of  knowledge  oneof ano- 
ther for  their  mutuall  delight :  this  knowledge  in  that  life, 
cannot  be  wanting  to  our  full  and  perfefl  felicity  and  pleafure. 

7#  This  is  .neceffary  to  bring  to  life:  we  mud  dk  that  we 
may  be  changed ,  and  that  our  corruption  may  put  on  incor- 
ruption ,  that  our  mortality  may  put  on  immortality.  This  is 
the  common  condition  of  all  mankind,  HeSr.  9.  27.  This  I 
know  (faith  S.  Augufline)  that  no  man  hath  died,  which  mufi  not  *  ...  . 
fome  times  have  died '.  Yea  the  Heathen  Poet  could  fay.  It  it  cw.2>eLc:i\ 
necefary  for  a3  mortal!  men  to  die.  Indure  we  therefore  this,  fipgnju-n* « 
which  all,  both  good  and  bad,  juft  and  unjuft ,  have  or  mud 
fuflfcr.  This  being  a  neceflaryi  path-way  to  etemall  life ; 
by  which  we  are  changed  from  evill  tegood ,  from  woe  to 
weale,  for  which  we  friall  rejoyce  when  we  arc  departed.  By 
which  we  {hall  exchange  our  travaileintp  reft ,  our  fickneiTe 
into  health ,  our  earth  into  heaven  ,  life  tranfitory  into  im- 
mortal!: arc  we  now  well,  we  fhall  then  be  better:  are  we 
now  happy,  we  (hall  then  be  more  happy,  being  delivered 
from  this  evill  world,  and  exempted  from  Sathan,  to  live  for 
ever  with  Chrift  our  Saviour. 

'But  it's  violent.  Care  we  not  what  kind  cf  death  we  fuf-  ObjeSL 
fer.  What  doth  it  matter  with  what  kind  of  death  this  life  is  end-   Anfw. 
ed,whenheto  whom  it  is  ended,  is  not  compelled  to  die  against  Lib.iJeCiJt. 
fmhS.Augusline.  2W*n. 

But  I  am  young.   Care  not  how  (bone  it  cornea ;  theHea-  objefl.z. 
then  Poet  could  fay ,    Hee  fhall  die  young  whom  god  loves.  Anfw, 
And  S.  isfngnftine  faith  ,  For  as  much  as  innumerable  deaths  lyyi?^iyA^h 
in  a  manner  do  threaten  every  man  in  the  daily  perils  of  this  life,   *  *"9^*«  **] 
4U  long  at  it  is  uncertaine  which  of  them  fhall  come ,  /  fray     » 
whether  is  better ,  tofufftrcne  by  dying,  or feare  all  by  living  f 
Neither  am  1  ignorant,  how  foolifhly  men  choofe  to  live  long  un- 
der ft  are  ofifo  many  deaths,  rather  than  bj  once  dying  to  feare   AugJib.  1J0 
none  afterwards.  Crj.Vei.c.iir 

But  it  is  an  evill  frjamefull  death.    That  death  is  not  to  be  Qy  «  . 
counted  t  viS  which  foSowet  a  good  life ,   neit  her  doth  any  t  king       I  r 
make  death  ~evi3  five  that  which  foSoweth  death  \    therefore        ™W 
they  who  mu(t  neeejfarily  die,  need  mot  much  care  what  doth 

E  J  bapfc* 


J4  * h*  Cmjtttn  Conflict*  Ch  a  p  .  5. 

bapp t*  to  taufe  them  to  dtey  but  dying  whither  they  are  confirai- 
IhiL  tted  **  g*y  faith  S.  Augufline. 

Be  you  therefore  who  ate  good  (ouldiers  of  Chrift  Iefiis 
ptrfwaded  to  arrae  your  felves,  not  onely  to  be  bou  nd,  but  to 
die  al  fo  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  Iefus.  Beare  patiently  a  few 
rough  and  alperate  ftormes,  which  do  bat  drive  you  fooner  to 
your  defired  haven  :  a  little  harm  and  currifti  u&ge  by  this 
churlifli/aylor,  dragging  and  violently  driving  you  from  this 
earthly  prifon  to  an  heavenly  paradife. 

y .  Artthoudauntedand  difmayed/earing  that  thy  dead  bo-, 
dy  mall  want  buriall, which  is  a  promifed  olef!ng,G>*.i  j.i$. 
The  deniall  whereof  a  threatned  curfc,.  Ur.  22.1 9-.  For  which 
the  holy  men  of  God  have  beenefo  carcfuH  as  to  provide 
their  fepulchers  before  their  death,  t  King.i  3.3.0.  JMat.  27. 
60.  And  to  take  order  for  their  fepulture  whiles  they  lived, 
G**#40.29.  $0.  ?  13.  1  King.i  3.11.  Conlblate  thy  felfea- 
gainftthis,  confidering,.  that  although  it  is  a  blefli  ig  unto  the 
godly,  yet  onely  an  outward  y  earthly  ,  temporal]  favour  % 
to  whom  the  want  thereof  is  no  curie,  nor  any  wayes  hurt* 
foil:  for,. 

1 .  Cannot  want  of  buriall  let  or  hinder  the  refurre&ion  of 
our  bodies  to  glory  and  immortality? 

2.  Hath  this  beene  the  lot  and  portion  ofGodsdeare  and 
beloved  Saints  to  want  buriall?  P('aI.  79. 2, 3 . 

Augd.i.fo  $•  Did  S.Aaguftine  comfort  Chriftians  againft  this  with 

CtvZXU.  1 2.   fuch  like  fayings  asthefc  ?  It  is  not  the  fault  of  the  living  who 

P*  H  ■•  could  net  give  it,  nor  a  punifhment  of  the  dead  who  could  not  feel 

it*  If  honour  able  fepulture  doth  any  whit  profit  a  wicked  man9 

then  vile  or  no  buriall  doth  hurt  a  good  man* 

4.  Did  the  heathen  men  fo  little  regard  where  they  mould 
lie  when  they  died  for  their  countrey,  or  to  what  beaft  the/ 
were  given  as  meat,  that  Theodorus  Cyrenane  anf^ered  Zj* 
fmachxs  threatning  this  to  him  after  death.  Let  this  be  dread*, 
fall  to  thy  Teerel  or  States  of  thy  realm?,  I  care  not  whether  I 
putrifie  under or  above  ground.  And  Diogenes  y  If  I  Jball  not 
feele  it>  what  hurt  will  tearing  inpeecesdo  me  I  Yea  they  had 
away  generall  conizations  againft  want  af  bariall,as  thefcand 

fuch 


S  e  c  T.7.  7  he  ChriftUfj  Cerfitti.  J  ? 

fuch  like.  He  u  covered  by  the  heaven  which  »*nti  0 grave  : 
nature  hath  given  fepulture  unto  *B :  The  fame  reave  of  tetter 
which  cau/eth  men  to  fujfer  fofwracke,  d&thhurie  them:  the 
bodies  ofthofe  nhich  are  faftned  unte  gibbets  con  fume  into  bn> 
ria/l :  *  tor  mint  doth  burse  thofe  vthkh  are  burnt  alive. 

And&allwe  fearethis  which  may  never  come ,  or  if  it 
doth  come,  is  no  whit  dreadfull  or  hurtfull  ? 

6.  Do  qnipfimg  taunts ,  fcorne'ull  reprodies,  flanderout 
backbiting*,  iniofent  mccks  and  flouting  nick- names  dread 
thee ,  thou  deeming  them  fo  infupportabte  that  thou  canft  not 
indure  tbem  ?  tbefe  being  threatned  as  a  great  and  grievous 
eommination,  7^.24.9  £-5.^.14.  8.  Thefe  having caufed 
the  moft  patient  men  to  complaine  and  cry  as  lob,  Chap. 30. 1 J 
'But  now  thej  that  ate younger  than  /,  have  me  in  derifton,  &C. 
Vzxi.g.Andnowaml their  [ong  and  by-word.  The  Church 
of  God,  *?/*/. 79, 4.  We  are  become  A  reproach  to  our  neigh' 
b&rs9  a  feorne  and  derijion  to  thofe  that  are  round  about  w* 
D avid,  Pfat*  574  KjMy  ftule  id  among  lions  9  and  1  lie  even  a- 
mong  them  that  arefet  on  (trey  even  thefonnes  efmenjehefe  teeth 
arefpeares  andarrowes,  and  their  tongue  ajharpe  /word,  Ure- 
mic, Chap.  1 8. 1 8, 1  p.  Then  [aid  they,  come  and  let  us  [mite 
him  with  the  tongue -y  &c.  Thefe  having  urged  Gods  deareft 
jewels  and  peculiar  people  to  imprecate  zsElifla  2  King.  2. 
24.  And*  he  turned  backe,  and  looked  in  them,  and  cur  fed  them 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  David  to  wifhevill  to*Doeg,  and  Ie- 
r*«w*againft  thofe  whofmotehim  with  the  tongue,  7f.t8.ar. 
Thefe  being  fo  keene  and  cutting,  that  they  are  called  perfect!- 
tion,  Gal.  4. 2  9 .  Perfecuted  him  that  was  borne  after  the  $irit. 
Yet  let  not  thefe  difcomfort  and  difhearten  thee,  who  art  a 
iouldier  of  the  Lord  Iefus.  For  although  thelc  forenamed  are 
truethefes,  yet  to  inferre  thence,  Therefore  it  is  not  tolera- 
ble ,  not  inferable  to  indure  reviling  obtredhtions  ,  and  op- 
probrious upbraid ings  with  bad  fpeeches  for  Chrift  and 
his  Gofpell ,  it  ra/h  and  ridiculous.  For  thine  encourage- 
ment to ,  and  comfort  in  futfering  the  fcourge  oi  tongues , 
confider, 

I.  Tbatifalltbeblack-mouth'd  barking  bedlam  Belials  of 

E  4  Satans 


-f'5  ThechriftUnConfltct.         <^hap.£# 

Satans  kennell  in  the  whole  world,  (hould  belch  out  the  mod 
imbittered  obloquies  and  hell ifh  calumniations  againft  us;  de- 
ride us  with  the  moft  fcornfull  mowes,  nods,girings,  and  di- 
vcllifh  grinnings :  and  vomit  out  upon  us  and  our  good  names 
the  moft  Clan derous  maledictions,  envenomed  back-biting^ 
pernicious  lies,  and  malicious  curfings,  that  hell  i.  fclft  can 
batch,  Satan  and  his  abettors  faine  and  forge,  and  his  malignant 
jpinifters  acl  and  execute :  yet  can  they  not  deale  worfe  with 
us  in  this  kind,  than  their  curfed  companions  have  done  to 
ourbleffed  Saviour  and  his  happy  Saints,  who  have  beeneas 
fliarply  ftung  by  the  fcrpents  kcd,  as  we  can  :  and  have  drunk 
as  deep  ofthis  diftaftfull  cup  of  infamy  and  difgrace,  as  is  po£ 
fible  ;  and  (hall  we  think  much  to  pledge  them  ?  lob  was  a 
fong  and  a  by- word  to  bate  fbolcs,  Chap.  $  o.p,  David  a  fong 
to  filtbydrunkards,P/4/.6'9.i2.  Elijah  accounted  and  called 
the  Kings  enemy,  i  Kinti\.io.  and  atroubler  ofIfrael,Chap* 
18.17.  S.Pah/  a  peftilent  fellow,a  mover  of  fedition,an  herc- 
tick,^S.24. 5. 1 4. Our  Saviour  blefled  for  ever,a blafphemer, 
Mat.9. 3,  a  drunkard  andaglutton,!  1  p.  a  deceiver, 27.  6\% 
WcrcDavUy/c^S.Pduhhc  Saints&our  blefled  Saviour  falfly 
accniedjfcornefully  mocked,&c.&  (hall  we  unwillingly  walk 
in  thole  paths  wherein  fuch  pious  people  have  ufually  walked. 
2.  That, the  better  any  man  is,the  more  fubjecl  he  is  to  flan- 
derous  reports,and  the  utnaoft  mifchiefs  the  fons  of  Belial  and 
their  father  theDivell  can  coy ae,  againft,  and  caft  upon  him* 
The  Divell  and  divellifh  men  throw  moft  cudgels  of  calumny 
and  contempt  at  the  fruitfulleft  trees  in  Gods  vineyard:  bark 
moft  bitterly  againft  the  brighteft  parts  of  Gods  Church  mili* 
tant,  like  dogs  againft  the  Moone,  and  labour  tooth  and  riaile  to 
obnubilate,  and  obfcure  moft,  the  moft  ihining  and  glorious 
lights  with  contumelies  and  difgraces.    And  ifany  good  man 
(as  many  have)  hath  the  applaufe  and  commendation  ofthis 
viperine  brood,  yet,  it's  1.  either  to  hurt  him  by  bewitching 
him  by  thefe  fawning  flatteries,to  fip  a.little  pf  the  times  cor- 
ruptions, though  he  will  not  drink  a  full  draught;  ortkkling 
and  enticing  him  hereby  to  de(ireearneftly,andaflfecT:promi{^ 
circus  reputation,  or  wooing  him  by  this  meapcs  towi»keat 

their; 


S  h  c  T.7.  The  Chriftm  Cwflift.  5  7 

their  wkkednefle,  and  groflely  neglecT:  ChrXHan  reproofs. 
Zt  Or  to  harme  others :  thus  the  Pharifees  oppofed  Cbrift  by 
John  the  tBapriFt,A4ar.  2.18.  Uhn  is  a  good  man,  he  fafts,  but 
thou  and  thy  Difciples  faft  not.  Thus  carpers  at  godlinefle  and 
goodnefle  fet  godly  men  one  againft  another,  little  confider- 
ing  that  one  man  may  be  more  infirme  and  weake  thanano* 
ther;  one  may  do  a  thing  in  feme  refpeel  lawfully  which-the 
other  cannot.  Thus  thefe  fubtill  Satanicall  tongue-fmiters  of 
Saints  and  fanclity  commend  fome  excellent  and  eminent  men 
to  difcredit  others  more  clofcly,  cruelly  and  cunningly>not  out 
of  any  We  or  liking  they  have  to  their  rare  gifts,  or  precious 
graces;  not  for  their  found  profeffion  and  fincere  piety  ( thefe 
being  as  repugnant  to.them  as  the  bright  fhining  light  to  ob- 
fcuredarkneffei  thefe  being  a  fhame  to  them,  ?nd  condem- 
ning them  to  the  pit  of  hell)  but  by  fuch  fawned  flatteries  to 
pierce  more  cruelly  even  the  felfe  fame  men,  and  all  the  con- 
forts  of  their  blefled  fociety,including  in  the  end,  even  thefe 
in  their  black  bill  of  aH  are  nought.  As  for  example,  fuch  and 
fiich  men  are  good  men,  yet  they  will  do  fo  and  Co.  But  fuch 
and  fuch  are  fo  precife,  &c.  yea  all  the  company  and  pack  of 
them  be  ftark  naught. 

3 .  That  thefe  railing  Rtbfhakthh  fcoffing  Ifimaelt,  and  all 
the  infernall  troupe  and  rabble  of  thofe  who  revile  and  re- 
proach ,  difgrace  and  deride  men  for  godlinefle  fake ,  are  but 
fboles  or  men  deftitute  of  wit,  yea  men  out  of  their  right 
minds.  Marvell  not  that  I  call  them  fooles,or  men  out  of  their 
wits;  for  not  onely  doth  the  Word  of  God  terme  them  foin 
divcrfe  places,  buttheir  owne  deeds  and  actions  demonftrate 
them  fo  to  be.   As  for  example. 

1 .  Should  we  fee  a  man  tumble  and  wallow  willingly  and 
delightfully  in  the  myre,  we  would  certainly  conclude  the 
man  is  mad,  drunk,  out  of  his  right  mind:  but  thefe  wallow 
willingly  and  delightfully  in  the  fink  of  fin,  more  foyliag  than 
all  the  molt  noyfome  mud  and  mire  under  the  Sun. 

2.  Should  we  fee  a  man  wound &mangle  his  body,break  bis 
bones,and  tear  his  flefh  in  pieces,bccaa(e  fome  who  have  been 
grievoufly  wounded,their  joints  disjoined^heir  bones  broken, 

their 


55  TheChrtftunCnfltft.  Chap.£. 

their  flefo  rent,  have  obtained  perfeft  recovery,  although 
with  much  coft  and  charge,  (mart  and  forrow  :  would  we 
not  fay,furely  the  man  is  mad  ?  But  thele  men  do  therefore, 
wound  and  pierce  themfdves  with  finnc ,  the  greateft  of 
fores  and  (kkneflcs,  beeaufe  David ,  Peter,  and  other  the 
Saints  of  God,after  long  labour  and  feeking  after,  much  fmart 
and  forrow, were  throughly  healed. 

3.  Should  we  fee  a  man  all  the  time  of  feeding,  fummet 
and  narveft,  when  all  good  husbands  are  budly  imployed  to 
fit  andfurnifh  themfelvcs  with  necefTary  livelihood,  to  run 
gadding  after  babies  and  butterflies,unnece{lary,  unufefull,and 
unfruitful],  would  we  not  aver  re  the  man  to  be  a  foole,  if  not 
mad  ?  But  thefc  manner  of  men  in  this  blefifed  feeds-time  and 
fumrner  ofgrace,  when  all  wife  merchants  ferioufly  with  all 
fedulitydo  providently,  principally  feek  thofe  precious  hea- 
venly pcarles,  trading  and  trafiquing  for  the  fame  in  the  con- 
fcionable  ufe  of  the  meane*,  do  then  with  earreftneffe  and  ea* 
.gernefle  purfue  die  fruftleife  and  not  need  full  fading  fbme  and 
froth  of  this  tranfitory  world. 

4.  Should  we  fee  a  man. to  reject  and  refufe  fuch  a  (ervicc 
wherein  he  might  have  fulncfle  of  comfort,credit  and  content- 
ment, and  choofe  to  be  a  galley-fiavc  to  fome  tyrannicall  ty- 
rant ,  from  whom  nothing  could  be  expected  fave  terrible 
tortures,  rerrours  and  tormenrs,  would  we  not  avouch  the 
man  to  be  mad  ?  But  all  wicked  men  difdainfully~(if  not  de- 
fpightfully)  rejecl  Gods  fervice  accompanied  with ,  and  af- 
fbrdingall  comforts  and  contentments,  for  Satans  flavifh  fer- 
vitude,  wherein  there  is  not  the  leaft  fhew  or  fhadow  of  con- 
folation  and  contentment,  but  the  truth  and  fubftance  of  all 
kind  ofintolerablewocand  mifery. 

5.  Should  we  fee  a  man  to  exchange  pearles  for  paultry 
pebbles ;  refined  gold  &r  ftinking  droffe,  would  we  not  af- 
£rme  the  man  to  be  a  foole,  if  not  mad?  But  all  wicked 
worldlings  in  effect  fay,  farewell  fbule  and  confeience,  adieu 
jholinefle  and  faving  graces,  fo  be  we  may  but  thrive  and  grow 
great  in  this  world,  buy  and  fell,  and  get  gaine. 

6,  Should  we  fee  a  mm  prefer  re  a  loathforae  prifbnbefone 


Sec  T.7.  The  Cmftttn  Conflict.  59 

tpkafantpallace,  would  we  not  fay,  ftrelythe  man  is  out  of 
his  wits.  Butalltbcfonnes  of  £*/*</ choofe rather  perpetu- 
all  hellifh  tortures  and  thraldomc,  than  the  matchlefle  pcere- 
leffc  cro  wne  of  glory. 

7.  Should  we  fee  a  man  for  no  gaine  tocaft  himfelfe  into 
dangers  inevitable  and  unfpcakable,  we  would  notonely  con- 
je&ure,  but  conclude  that  chc  man  wanted  wit :  But  all  wk-. 
iced  men  throw  themfelves  unavoidably  into  Gods  fore  difc 
pleafure,  which  is  unutterably  dangerousanddreadfull  for  the 
enjoyment  of  the  works  of  darknefle  which  are  not  onely  fil- 
thy, but  alfounfruitfolL 

8,  Should  we  fee  a  man  toyling  hard  to  do  that  which  he 
muft  undo  againe  with  hard  labour  and  much  paines,or  els  be 
hang'd,  drawne  and  quartered,  we  would  without  any  perad- 
venture  inferre,  furely  the  man  is  befides  himfelfe.  But  all 
ungodly  men  endeavour  with  tooth  and  naile  to  do  fuch  thing! 
by  committing  of  finne,  which  they  muft  neceflarily  undo  a- 
gaine,  by  true,  yet  bitter  repentance,  or  elsperifli  eternally. 
So  then,  difgracefullderidersof  men  for  godlineflc,  they  arc 
butfooles,  yea  bruit  beafts  in  the  Scripture  ienfe,  which  ter- 
meth  them ,  In  regard  of  their  ignorance,  Oxen,  Pfd.  a  1. 1 2 . 
Kinfy  Amos  4. 1 .  Wild  Ages,  lob  24. 5.  And  Mules,  P/4/.  32. 
12.  In  regard  of  their  luxury,  goats,  £^.34.17.  Axiikor- 

fis,  7*r.$.8.  In  regard  of  their  cruelty,  Liows,  Pfdl.  22. 1 3. 
Dragons, &«*{..  29.3.  £**»/,  37.  17>*1*  Biuret,  If*,  tx.j. 
And  Do^s,  7yy.a2.1d.  Inregard  of  their  fubtilty,  Wolves, 
Ifaii.6.  ArA  Foxes,  E^t^  1 3.4.  And  in  regard  of  their 
malice,  Afpes,  7/4.II.8.  Cockatrices,  Spiders,  59.5.  Vi- 
per  s,  Mat. 1.7.  And  Scorpions,  Rev  f  3.  If  a  mad  manor  an 
ignorant  ideot  fhould  revile  us,  raile  at  us,  fcorne,  deride  and 
fay  all  manner  of  evil lagainft  us,  we  would  pitic  the  raw,  and 
no  whit  regard  his  fawcy  fair rilities,  and  fcotfiiig  derifions.  If 
fnarling  dogs  bawlc  and  barjee,  fordid  fwine  grunt  and  grum- 
ble at  us,  we  mind  our  bufinefle,  and  fleight  thefe  as  frivolous 
trifles.  Why  then  when  thefe  fooles,  of  allfbrrs  themoft 
fcolifa,gna(lr their  teeth,  nod  their  heads,  make  mowesand 
fay  ail  manner  of  evill  againft  us,  do  we  not  piue  t  he  men,  and 

difeegard 


vo  TheChrijtMnCoKftct.  Uhap.5. 

difregard  their  abfurd  fpeecbes,  and  irkfome  geftures  ?  Why 
therfo re  cannot  we  endure,yea  altogether  flight  and  difregard 
the  bra  wling  barking  of  thcfechurlifhteurres,  thehiffings  of 
thefe  Terpentine  afpes  and  adders,the  bleatings  and  blatterings 
©r thefe  beads  and  vaine  bablers,  feeing  they  doe  but  tbeir 
kinde  ? 

4.  That  the  fmiting  of  the  tongue  doth  a  good  man  no  hurt 
at  all:  As  Kings  and  Potentates,  wife  and  wealthy  menfu- 
ftaine  no  loffe  of  fubjcflion,  reverence,  or  of  anything  they 
hare  intereft  in  becatife  mad  men,  fooles  and  beafts  put  no 
difference  twixt  them,  and  other  men  :  fo  godly  men  have 
Kotthekefteeme  lefforicd  with  God,  and  good  men,  have 
their  prayers  as  pleafing  to  God,  and  prevailing  at  Jthc  throne 
of  grace,  have  their  graces  as  radiant  and  glorious,  and 
their  right  and  intercft  to  the  blond  of  Chrift  and  crowne 
of  life  as  certaine  and  well  fealed,  when  they  aro  loaden 
with  the  heavieft  preflures  of  reprochfull  difgraces,  infamous 
indignities,  fcurrilous  taunts,  and  helliQi  girds  for  piety  fake 
from  the  Terpentine  tongues  and  geftures  of  all  deboift  ftigma- 
ticall  varlets.  Excellent  is  the  faying  of  Titm  Vefpa(tanySinca 
I  doe  nothing  worthy  for  which  I  fyonld  fa /tendered  3  I  do  nothing 
regard  lies. 

*.  ^**muchgood,  fo  faith  our  Saviour,  iW*f/fc.  5; .  11,12. 
B(effed~~when  aR  men  fieake  all, wanner  of  Mil  again  &  you 
f*lflyformyfal(e,  rejoyce  and  fa  exceeding  glad,  for  great  U 
jour  rewardin  heaven,  \  Tet,^.  1 4.  //*  y*  fa  reproched  for 
the  name  of Chrift  Jhappy  areyo#,for  the  (pirit  of  glory  and  of 
Cod  re  He  th  upon  yon. 
,  Say  not,  how  can  we  endure  the  fcourge  of  tongues,  fince 

Object.!*  by  this  meanes,  All  true  profeflbrs,  as  well  as  we  in  parti- 
cular arc  deepely  damnified,  for  by  meanes  of  fuch  falfe 
afperftons  caft  upon  us,  the  raging  tongues  of  dogged  Doegs 
arcftirrcdupandfetonworketo  fnarle  and  fnapatall  for- 
ward profeffours  :  Sec  {fay  they)  what  thefe  precife 
profeffors  are,  behold  their  pra&ife  they  arc  all  nought. 

a.  Andourowne  good  names,  which  are  more  precious 
then  odoriferous  ointments,  and  of  greater  worth  and  value 

£hen 


Shct.7.  Th*Cbrifti4*Ci»fliZl.  €t 

than  all  our  fubftance,  by  thcfc  currifh,  barking,  and  enveno- 
med biting  Belials ,  lie  wounded  and  bleeding  even  to  ex- 
trearne  difgrace,  being  gored  and  pierced  by  thekecneand 
cutting  tongues  (more  fharpe  than  fwords)  of  ftigmaticall  Sa- 
tanifts,  which  being  alofTe  fa  invaluable  and  irrecoverable, 
whocanindurc? 

For  if  you  give  juft  occafion  of  offence,  either  by  doing  that  Anfv>\ 
which  you  ought  not  to  doe ,  or  leaving  undene  duties  that 
mult  be  done,  then  woe  to  you  by  whom  the  offence  corn- 
metb,  tWttth.  1 1.  7.  2  Sam.  12.  14.  becaufe  by  this 
deed  thou  haft  given  great  occafion  to  the  enemies  of  the 
Lord  to  blafpheme,  the  child  alfo  that  is  borne  unto  thee 
(hall  furely  die.  But  you  onely  (candalizing,why  fhould 
the  men  of  this  world  purfue  fo  enragedly  with  fierce  and 
furious  out-crfes ,  all  pious  Profeflburs  of  the  fame  truth  ?* 
Were  all  the  twelve  felecled  Apoftles  incarnate  Divels, 
becaufe  one  of  their  number  was  fo?  Were  all  fincere  primi- 
tive converts  lyars  againft  the  blcrTed  Spirit  of  God,  becaufe 
facrilegious  inantat  and  Safkira  were  ?  Are  all  Profeflburs 
diffembling  hypocrites  pra&ifing  contrary  to  their  profeffi- 
oh,  becaufe  there  are  many  fuch?-  God  forbid.  Thoubiin- 
ded  world ,  why  wilt  not  thou  fee  ?  You  uncharitable 
fonnes  of  men ,  why  will  not  you  underftand  ,  but  rafhly 
and  reprochfuTly  condemne  the  unblameable  carriages  and 
harmlefle  converfations  of  Gods  dearcft  Saints,  for  the  cul- 
pable crimfon  crying  impieties  of  diffolute  diflfemblers  ?  You 
are  not  fo  unwife,  fenflefTe  and  uncharitable,  as  to  inferre, 
much  copper  gliders,  therefore  all  bright  and  glittering  gold 
is  copper:  A  painted  connterfeited  Sun  gives  no  radiant  light, 
therefore  that  mining  bright  Runner  in  the  firmament  is  ob- 
fcure  and  darke.  ludai  was  a  fonne  of  perdition,  therefore 
'Peter ■,  lames ,  and  lohn  \  fome  men  are  heires  of  damnation, 
therefore  all  men.  Be  not  therefore  fo  malicioufly  cenfori- 
ous,  as  to  conclude,  fuch  and  fuch  are  fhamefully  delinquent, 
therefore  all  Profeffours  are  fo. 

2.  But  if  you  walk  harmlefly  and  inoffenfively,  living  un- 
blameabiy  and  uprightly,  doing  iuch  duties  which  God  com- 
mands,. 


6i  The  GhrijtUn  Conflict.  C  h  ap  .  6. 

mands,  allowes,  loves,  and  will  reward,  from  a  pure  heart, 
and  faith  unfained,tothe  praifc  and  glory  of  Goi,confequent- 
lytheworkesofGod,  lobn6.i%.  or  good  works,  Epb.  i.  10. 
In  regard  of  matter,  manner,  and  end,  and  fhunning  theevill 
you  ought  to  avoid,  and  yet  are  taunted  and  fcomed,  as  Dsvid 
by  fcoffing  Alichal,  2  Sam.6. 20 .  for  dauncing  before  the  ark : 
barbaroufly  and  bloudily  back-bitten,  as  Abimeiecb,  for  relie- 
ving D*wW,  2  £409.  22.  9,  or  otherwife  wounded  by  cruell 
tongue*,  it  being  unjn(tly,with  evils  never  a&ed  nor  intended; 
or  wrefHng  good  things  to  make  them  fceme  evill.  What 
,.  lone  of  Christian  reputation  ?  Sarely  none. 

Opje&.  gut  wc  fa^fe  un  jnftly  cenfured,  rafhly  judged,  and  fport- 

,  ing  table-talk  to  difdainfull  abjecls  by  this  meanes. 

Jlnfrt*  And^ho  was  ever  free?  was  Chrift?  Did  they  n«t  judge, 

and  in  judging  hardly  cenfure  ourblefled  Saviour?  Did  he 
therefore  leave  off  doing  his  Fathers  will  f  Grew  he  to  paf- 
fionate  impatience  ?  Nothing  leffe. 

Sect.  8. 

Motive  7.  Drawnefrim  the  nature  of  them,  [hewing  how  ' 
the j  are  eifiU,  bow  good. 

THe  feventh  and  lad  Motive  drawne  from  the  nature  of 
affli&ions.True  it  is,  the  uneafie  dangers,unpleafant  trou- 
bles and  rough  afflictions  of  Gods  children,  Chrifts  fouldiers, 
are  exceeding  great:  Pf*l.4%.%.  horrible  pit.  And  very  ma* 
ny9  Pfitf.34.i9.  Andasboyfterousiinpetujus  (urging  waves 
fucceeding  one  another.The  Lord  our  gracious  Father  having 
fo  appointed  and  decreed  :  our  conformity  with  our  bleffed 
Saviour  requiring  that  it  fhould  be  fo ,  and  God  being  more 
thereby  glorified  in  our  deliverance.  Yet  it  is  as  true,  that 
there  is  no  danger  fodeepe,  no  griefe  fo  great,  no  temp- 
tation fo  tumultuous  and  troublous,no  trouble  fo  tempeftuoiis, 
out  of  which  God  cannot  or  will  not  deliver  his  Church  and 
chofen  children, P/4/.40.  ».  He  brought  me  out  of  an  hor- 
rWcpftj  out  of  the  myvkehy7Scc.P/kfme. 34.19.  Butthe 

Lord 


Sec  t  .8.  The  chriftU*  Confitft*  4$ 

Lord  delivers  Hm  out  of  all.  He  being  their  ftrong  and  power- 
full  Redeemer, //i.4  5.1.  Hebeingthe  mighty  rock  of  their 
falvation,  P/4/.05.1.  Their  impregnable /nield  and  invinci- 
ble buckler/PyW.  1 8. a .  The  Lord  of  hofts  and  armies,  Pf*f. 
46.7.1 1.  And  that  great  and  potent  Prince,  ?>d».i  a. i.  And 
therefore  Though  they  are  dread  full,  yet  (hall  they  not  be  du- 
rable, Though  they  are  laborious,  yet  friall  they  not  be  long 
lafting.  Though  they  are  cruell,  yet  but  momentany,  and  of 
fliort  continuance. 

But  they  are  evill. 

And  what  patience  to  endure  that  which  is  good?  Who 
cannot  ?  Who  will  not  ?  Chrifts  fouldieTs  being  more  then 
ordinary  men,  muft  doe  more  then  they  doe.' They  muft 
love  even  thofe  who  hate  them,  <JM«tth.<>  .44.  They  muft 
pray  for  fuch  who  hurt  them.  They  mutt  render  arcquitall 
of  good  for  evill,  They  muft  endure  wkh  comfort  and  coi> 
ftancy  evill. 

a.  Admit  they are  evill  to  fome,  yetthey  are  notfotoal^ 
they  were  good  for  David,  P/i/.i  19.71.  And  arc  good  to 
be  borne  of  fome  from  their  youth,  Ldment.^.i  7.  Although 
in  their  -owne  nature  of  themfelves  properly.  At  they  arc 
fignes  and  demonftrations  of  Gods  juft  indignation  and  anger 
againft  any.  /frthey  are  plagues  and  puniftimcots  for  fin ;  As 
they  are  a  part  of  Gods  curie  for  the  fame :  ±As  they  are  lets 
and  hinderanccs  from  any  pious  and  holy  duty  :   er  occafions 
of  any  fin,  namely  of  murmuring,  grudging,  impatiency  or 
the  like,  they  are  evill .   Tat  are  they  good  by  Gods  grace  and 
b!efltiig,  being  fandtirled  in  the  Croffe  of  Chrift.   As  they  are 
an  argument  and  evidence  of  Gods  love  and  fatherly  care  z 
As  they  are  a  meanes  of  fantftifi  cation,  mortification,  vivifica- 
tion,  converfion,  repentance,  reformation  of  life;  Asxhey 
caufcustoknowourfelvesandourfins,  gen.41.11.  As  they 
fliew  to  others  the  corruption  of  nature  in  the  Siints,£%*^,  3  9* 
a  3.  A  s  they  teach  men  truo  obedience,  lob  33.1  p.  lcr.  3 1 . 1 8, 
1 9.  As  they  provoke  and  ft irre  up  to  fervent  prayer, Pjd.  1  ©  7. 
6.    As  they  fhe w  the  certainty  and  equity  of  Gods  threats  • 
At  they  purge  from  fin  and  corruption,  Pr^ao.3.0.  464?.?. 

At 


OhjeR. 
Anfw.li 


^4  TkehriftUn  CtnfliZl.  Ch  a  *.$. 

*sts  they  preferve  from  definition  and  evill,  1(k.  J 7.1,1.  A 
thep  are  a  path- way  to  the  kingdome  of  heaven,  ABs  1422* 
wf  /  they  conforme  a  man  to  Chrift,  4W  as  they  make  us  com- 
panionate and  able  to  comfort  others*  They  arcnot  evill  but 
good.  Endure  them  therefore. 

Vponthefe  undeniable  truths  and  grounds  fo  certaine,rca«» 
(on  and  refolve  as  followeth  : 

1 .  titth  Chrift  our  faultleffe  Mafter,that  Lamb  without  fpot 
and  blemifla,  and  his  holyeft  Saints  and  members  endured  a£- 
fli<?tions,Chrift  for  our  fakes,  they  for  his  ? 

2.  Are  they  inevitable  and  unavoidable :  we  being  mCfy 
much  more  we  being  fan&ified  men. 

3.  tsfre  they  harmeleffe  neither  rmrtfuil  nor  inju- 
rious ? 

4.  *Are  they  bcneliciall  and  many  waics  advanta- 
gious? 

$.  Come  they  from  our  gratious  fathers  love,  juftice  and 
mercy  principally  and  primarily :  from  our  hatefull  enemies 
inftruaientally  only  and  fecondarily  ? 

6.  ^rrtheyrnoft  truculent  or  terrible  in  countenance  of 
them  as  namely  The  fpoyling  of  outward  fubftance,  fo  fad- 
ding  ;  affrighting  famine  fo  dreadfull  :  cruell  captivity 
fo  uncomfortable  :  violent  death  fo  difmaying :  want 
of  }buriall  fo  unfeemely  ;  and  the  fcourge  ©f  tongues 
fo  fmarting  :  not  fo  hideous  and  terrible  as:  and  more 
tolerable  for  Chrifts  caufe  then  they  feeme  to  be? 

7.  They  being  but  momentany  and  of  no  long  continuance^ 
Then  (ixrely  we  as  the  fouldiers  of  Chrift  will  refolve  to  en- 
dure hardneffe,  undergoing  it  with  willingneflfe,  Heb.  1 1  .a  J . 
iubmittmg  our  felves  to  it  with  readineffe,  cftf**.  26. 3 p.  yea 
the  tarteft  tryalls,moft  rongh  and  cruell  calamities  and  dread- 
fell  perfections  through  Gods  hctpe  and  afliftance,  for  the 
Lords  fake:  namely, 

1 .  For  righteoufnefle,confcience,  Chrift,  and  Chriftianity 
fake,  iPet.2.20.  3.17.  4. 1 6.  1/4.59*  1?.  for  welldoing 
fuffering  for  thefe  endsiaeing  thank- worthy,  1  7V*.2.ro.ancl 
acceptable  with  GodaKrr.2Q.to  which  we  are  called,  Vcr.*i. 

foe 


Si  c  t.3.  The  Chriflwj  finflrft.  6f 

for  which  we  arc  pronounced  blefled  and  happy,l  ^*f  .3.14. 
4.T4.ofwhich  wc  need  notbeaftamed}4.i0\  and  for  which 
we  have  caufe  to  glorifie  God,ii#df.  namely 

1.  We  fuffcring  After  a  right  manner,/<ri/.with enduring p*- 
titnce^iTbeg.l.^  I  Tit. 2.'40.7>er/t fling cenftattcj,  L*k*  *2. 
*8.  Hck.\o$9.  Cbenre/u//rejoycing9  Cct.l.14.  I  Pft.+*£* 
And  Uvi*£pr*j*r£cT  our  af Aiding  perfecutors  according  to 
Chrift s  commandement,/!/**.  5 .44  The  pious  prafUfe  of  eur 
blefled Saviour, £*t*3«34>  And  his  happy Saints, AH. 7.60,. 
And  to  right  ends,  not  lor  vainc-glonous  oftentationor  other 
carnall  refpeds,but  for  the  Lords  and  confeience  fake,  that  is, 
rather  then  God  fhould  loofe  his  glory,  and  we  a  good  confid- 
ence rowards  God,  wepurpole  confiantly  to  endure  grkfc, 
hatrcd,perfecution  or  any  manner  of  afflictions  as  the  fouldiert 
of  Chrift  Iefus. 

Chap.  VII. 

The  ChriftUus  *rm**r,  ^  %  Duty. 

ChrtftiamfouUitrs  mufi  fo  armed. 

AS  a  fculcrier ought  not  onely  to  have  a  forehand  refohi* 
don  to  endure  hardneffe,but  he  moft  likewife  fit  and  fur- 
nifhhimfelfe  with  ncceflary  defenfive  and  offensive  weapons, 
and  with  expert  skill  to  ufe  and  marmage  the  iame  to  difable, 
difadvantage,difcomfit,  diiTlpatcand  difpoyle  the  enemy  :and 
for  their  o  wn  prefcrvation  fafety  and  protection  :  even  fo  the 
fouldierofthe  Lord  Iefus  muft  joy  ne  to  his  conftaat  purpofc 
of  fuflrring,  1 .  Knowledge  eft  he  parts  and  pieces  of  the  armour 
of  God,  Epb.6. 1 1 .  fo  called  becaufe  it  is  prefcribed  by  God  in 
bis  Word,given  of  God  by  his  fpirir,and  agreeable  to  the  will 
of  God. That  divine  and  fpirituall  armour,neceffary  againft  the 
fpirituall  aflaults  of  fpirituall  enemies.  That  pnwp/iaorcom- 
pleat  armour  furficicnt  to  defend  us  in  every  part,availeable  to 
Iceepe  ofFand  tbrult  backc  every  aflatf  t,  and  every  dart  of  our 
Spiritual  1  enemies*  a.  And  *  putting  and  keeping  on,and  ufing 

F  of 


I  66  The  chriftun  Conflict.         Ch  a p  .7. 

of  the  fame]  and  every  part  thereof  (God  having  made  none 
of  them  in  vaine,  they  being  all  needful!  and  py  nt-companu 
ons,fo  that  he  that  hath  not  all  Jiath  none  at  all)  todefend  hirn- 
fclfe  and  his  own  right  which  Chrift  hath  dearely  bought  with 
his  precious  bloud.  And  to  repcll  and  drive  away  the  divcll  and 
bis  inftntments.Learne  we  all  therefore  who  are  the  fouldicrs 
of  Chrift,  what  this  armour  is,  how  to  put  on  and  ufc  the  fame. 
The  parts  of  feverall  pieces  of  which  impregnable  armour 
ofproofe  arc  fix  in  number,  largely  deciphered  anddefcribed 
bytheLordhimfelfc,  Eph.6.i^yi$y&c.  namely  a  girdle,  a 
breaft-plate,  fhooes,a  fhicld,a  helmet  and  a  fword.  A  helmet 
lor  the  head,a  brcaft-platc  for  the  middle,  a  girdle  to  knit  them 
together,(hooes  for  their  feet,a  (hield  for  their  lefc  hand^nd  a 
fword  for  the  right,ofeach  particular  fome  what. 

Sect.  2« 

1  part  of  a*.  '] 

mour#  The  Chr&tans  girdle* 

Their girdle  nth  At  it  it,  hew f Ml  eny  its  'neceffttj%  dignity <> 
4*d  feversll  part*. 

THe  firft  piece  of  a  Chriftians  armaur  is  the  girdle  of  truth. 
AsMartiallmenofwarhave  afayre,  ftrong,  fubftantialL 
girdle  wherewith  they  1  knit  their  armour  hb  and  clofe  unto 
them,and  keepe  the  feverall  pieces  together,fo  that  they  can- 
not (hake or  loofe.  *  Tye  and binde  their  loy  nes  thereby  hol- 
ding the  fame  firme,  and  their  bodies  fteddie,  that  they  may 
be  able  to  ita nd  the  furer  and  hold  out  the  longer.  3  And  hide 
the  /  oynts  of  their  armour  that  they  may  not  be  feene,  fo  ufing 
the  fame  for  neceffity,  (trength,  and  ornament,  as  we  may  fee, 
lob  i*.i8,2i. 3$. 3. //*.*$. io.Evenfo the  Chriftian  fouldier, 
hath  his  girdle  of  truth,namely 

Firft,Truthof  judgement,or  a  rectified  judgement  agreeing 
with  the  Word  of  God,  grounded  upon  it  and  warranted  by 
it,defirous  by  it  to  be  reformed, wherein  it  hath  beene  mif-in* 
formedato  receive  further  illumination  from  it^and  increafe  of 

favin§ 


S  i  c  t.2  .  ihe  Chriflidfi  Ccnflitt.  #y 

faving  knowledge  by  ic,remaining  found  in  praflittH  faylings, 
giving  no  warrant  to  any  decaycs,2  TVf .  1.12.  And  therefore 
the  true  do&rinc  oftheGofpell  may  be  called,  not  onely  true 
dodrine,  but  truth  it  felfe,or  the  girdle  of  truth,  it  being  to  the 
foulc  to  ftrengthen  it,  as  a  girdle  to  die  body  of  a  fou'dier  in 
warre.  And  the  word  of  truth^CW.  1 .5 .  becaufe  all  truth  muft 
be  learned  out  of  it,  as  for  example. 

1 .  The  true  worfhip  of  God  in  general!, Mic.6.%.  He  hath 
fiewed  thee  O  man  if  hat  ugocd:  and  what  doth  the  Lordreqnire 
ofti:eeybnt  to  do)ufUjyand  to  love  mercy  tand  to  &c. 
1.  True  holinefle  and  falsification. 

3 .  True  faitb,f/r £.  1 1 . 1 .  Faith  is  the  fnb fiance  of  lhi*gsy&cl 

4 .  True  love,  I  Cor.  13.4.  Charity  fnffereth  fang  and  is  kinde, 

charity  envieth  nct,cbarity  vanntetb not  itfeifc.  l  Ic^5  **•. 

5  .True  humility,  M.i  3 . 1 5 .  Tor  I  have  given  yo$t  an  exam* 
fie  that  you  [hculd  do  as  J  have  donefPhil.i.  1 3 . 

6.  True  meekenefle,  UHatth.11.2p,  I  am  meeke  and  lowly 
in  heart. 

7.  True  wifflome,/rfiw.  3 .  1  j.Unt  the  wifdome  that  is  from  #> 
bove  is  fir  ft  pure ythcnpeaceab  Urgent leyeafe to  be^c. 

8.  True  knowledge,/*^  7. 3./*  islife  eternall  to  k**»  thee 
and  him  whom  thou  haft  pent.  Phil.  3.8./  account \&c. 

$.  True  hope,  Rem.%  24  For  we  arefaved  by  hopey&c* 
10.  True  pray  er,almes-decds  and  fafting,c^f4/.6. 
1 1  .True  patience,/4w.$  .to.Take  my  brethren  the  Prophets^ 
who  havtfpoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lordjfor  an  example  offnjfe- 
ring  afflitlion  and  of  patience  yHeb.\  2.2. 

la.True righteoufnes, -#/**.  y.  20. Except yonr  righteonfneffe 
exceed  the  righteonfneffe  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharifees,&c. 

Secondly,Truth  ofheart  or  uprightnefle  and  fiocerity  which 
is  void  of  deceipt  and  counter  feting,  which  afliircth  a  man  that 
his  fins  are  pardoned,  Pfal  31.2.  That  his  waies  pleafe  God, 
1 1  p.  2.  That  he  is  a  citizen  of  the  heavenly  Ierufalem,?/.  1 5  .a. 
24.4.  Mat.i&JVhicb  intcreiTeth  a  man  that  owns  and  poflef- 
feth  it  in  all  good  things.  Which  covereth  a  multitude  of  fin*, 
1  King  j  5.14.2  Cbro.  1 0*. o .  which  makes  Gods  graces  thrive 
iathefoule,/*£.i.47.  And  theenjoyenhereqfto  approve  his 

F  2  heart 


I  6&  TkechrifttAn Conflict.  Chap. 7. 

heart  to  the  fearchcr  of  al  hearts.*P&#V&  is  a  comfortable  cordi- 
allatthedifnaal!  day  ofdcath,//4. 5 S. 3.  And  makes  a  man  ac- 
ceptable with  the  Lord,  Pfy  1.6. without .whicji  no  true  repen- 
tance,/^/ 2.1  2.  No  profitable  hearing  of  the  Word  of  Godr 
Luk$.  1 2,1  ?>*4, 1 5 .  No  prevailing  prayer,:  P/4/.66  1 8.  And 
without  which  the  molt  glorious  and  glittering  a&ions  are  but 
filthy  abominations  and  odious  hypocritical]  performances.. 

Thirdly,  Truth  of fpeech,uttering  things  as  they  be  without 
guileful]  fraud  &  falftiood  the  mouth  agreeing  vvith  the  minde 
&  matter  which  is  iucercd,P/:i  $.1,  ^.4. 2 5. which  is  confo- 
nant  to  the  will  of  God  .correfpondent  to  the  end  of  fpccch,& 
ufc  ofthe  tongue  the  oiindes  interpreter.Thecontrary  where- 
of is  not  of  God,  1  MXiU  butof  chcdiveV/^.8.44.  Con- 
demned by  Pagans  unacquainted  with  the  myfteries  of  falvati- 
omCaufing  the  lyar  toloofe  faith  &  not  to  be  credited  when  he 
fpeakestrutb:provoking  God  to  wrath  &  indignation, /y  5. 6\ 
Depriving  of  that  match!  efle  crow  ne  and  incomparable  king- 
dome  ofglory,R*z/.2  a.  15.  And  plunging  into  that  hideous  and 
horrible  infupportable  lake  offire  and  brim(tone,#*t/,2 1 . 8. 

Fourthly,  7>*f*  of  action  when  deeds  are  juft  being  done 
truly  and  uprightly  when  there  is  fidelity  and  faithfullneffe 
betweene  man  and  man  in  keeping  juft  covenants  promifes, 
and  bargaines,P/4/.  15.4. 1  Cor.13.tf. 

This  truth  of  Judgement,  heart  tongue  and  action  is  thiVgir— 
dJe  wherewith  the  Chriftian  fouldicr  mud  be  girded.  And  all 
thefe  mud  concurre  to  make  up  the  ftrength  and  beauty  of  the 
&me.trithdut  the  firft  we  run  into  ablurd  opinions,  &  erroni* 
qus  hcrclksiwitbeut  the  fecond  we  are  guilty  of  gro{fe&  dam- 
nable hypocrifie/odious  &  abominable  to  God  and  good  men:. 
Without  the  third  men  are  but  loth  (bine  lyars  fpeaking  againft 
their  mindes  &  confeiences :  And  without  the  laft  diabolical  de- 
ceiversand  odious  diuemblers.But  by  the  firftour  opinions  arc 
feafonedand  made  found  r  *By  the  fecond  our  affections  are  re- 
formed and  rectified.  By  the  third  our  communication  is  orde- 
red and  directed :  By  the  laft  our  conventions  are  guided  and 
governed.  All  which  conjoyncd  make  up  the  firft  piece  of  the 
Chriftian  man*  armour,  the  girdle  of  truth., 

1.  So 


Sect.3.  TbeChriftUnCenJlilt.  69 

j  .So  great  an  ornament  to  the  Chriftian  fculdietir  that  it  he- 
fioureth  and  graceth  him  before  God  &  man:for  what  greater 
beauty  to  religion  (which  the  more  true  the  more  excellent) 
then  foundncs  &  evidence  of  truth?  what  greater  ornament  to 
a  Saint  then  truth  &  finglencs  of  heart  winning  approbation  Be 
commendationfromGod,  ^#.13.11.  What  An^dicall elo- 
quence or  rhetoricall  difcourfing  fo  grace  fall  &  praifc-  worthy 
as  to  fpeake  truth?  yea  and  what  doth  crowne  and  commend  a 
man  fo  much  as  houeft  plaine  and  faithfull  dealing. 
■  a.  And  fuch  an  excellent  means  of  ftrengtb,that  it  lirlcs,holds 
fift  &  couples  other  graces  of  Gods  fpirit  together,  and  fo  up. 
holds  the  Chriftian  fouldier.  Nothing  f©  ft  rong  as  truth  to  con- 
firme&fettk  the  judgement  of  man.  Truth  of  heart  was  the 
ground  of  Ids  courage  &  conftancy,^!^ .  a  7. 5  y6  gave  an  edge 
&  qtiickning  to  Hez,ely*bs prayer,  !(*.% 8.3.  and  made  D*v$d 
bold  to  appeale  from  mens,and  refer  himfelf to  Gods  tryall  & 
examination,P/;a6. 1 .  Truth  in  communication  flowing  from 
fincerity  of  beart,not  any  br-refpe<ftf , being  in  all  a  mans  fpee- 
ches,  concerning  matters  of  greatcft  confequence,  andthofc 
which  are  fleight  and  trivial!.  And  truth  ioeonverfation,  pro* 
ceedingfrom  aright  ground  and  extending  to  all  and  every 
action  of  a  man,  are  notable  encouragements,  and  firong  flip— 
porters  to  pious  men,  hb  31.5.  And  undeniable  deiaonflrati- 
ons,  that  the  heart  k  a  good  foontaine,  the  fincerity  whereof 
keepes  the  tongue  from  lying,  and  the  whole  cariage  of  a  man 
from  deceitfull  diffimulation.  This  girdle  of  truth  being  both 
beautifall  and  beneficial l,honorable  and  helpful],ador  ning  and 
afTHting/or  ftrength  and  ornament 

1  .You  who  are  not  furoifVted  with  this  defenfive  ornament, 
do  you  buy!t,fV#,i3.i  i.Tlnythtnubi  But  what  muft  we 
give?  A  diligent  painefull  and  conftant  endeavour,  to  obtaine 
this  holy  and  heavenly  trafique. 

1  .Search  the  fecred  Scriptures  diligently  :frequent  the  Word 
preached  confeionably  with  a  ctre  to  bete  ve  &  confeience  to 
obey.//.  5  5 .1,1.  hide  &  treafure  up  y  word  in  your  hearts  care* 
&lly,P/Ti  ip.il.  Let  it  dwtlirtjo*  fhtifullj&richlj  in *l  wifdtm, 
O/.  3  io\  Let  Gods  heavenly  word  be  alwajes  a  light  to  your 

F  3  >  ftct 


yo  TheChriftUnConflift.  Chap.  7. 

feet  and  alamhorne  unto  your  paths,  Pf*l.  1 1 «.  1  ©  5  .And  your 
continual  1  conftant  counfellours,P/4/.i  19.24.  ^} 

That  you  may  bcclcanc  through  this  wordjob.i  f.g.Being 
^purged 

By  the  word  ofexbortation,from  flothfull  idleneflc  and  neg- 
ligence in  all  holy  and  facred  duties. 

*Bj  the  word  of  remembrance  from  {infill!  forgetfullneffe. 

By  the  word  ofconfolation  from  dreadfull  defperation  and 
diffident  diftruftfullneffe  in  Gods  mercies  and  Chrifts  merits. 

.  'By  the  word  of commination,  from  prefumptuous  and  o^« 
ftinate  rebellions. 

By  the  word  ofreprehenfion  from  open  aclualltranfgreffi- 
ons  in  word  or  deed. 

'By  the  word  of  admonition  from  inclination  unto  evillor 
entrance  into  the  fame. 

'By  the  word  of  confutation  from  dangerous  and  damnable 
errours. 

'Bfthe  word  of  knowledge  orinftruclion^from  fpirituall 
blindnefFe,,darknes  and  ignorance  in  thofe  things  which  ought 
tobeknowne. 

That  you  may  be  wifer  then  your  enemies,.  Pf*l.\ io.o,8> 
have  aiore  underftanding  then  your  teachers,F«r.op.  And  un. 
dcrftand  more  then  the  ancient,F<?r,  1  oq.  And  that  you  may 
get  this  truth  in  judgement,  the  true  do&rine  of  holy  writ. 

This  being  amiable  and  lovely  beyond  exprefllon,  Pftl.i  1  p. 
97,  Sweet  and  lufcious  beyond  comparifon,  Vcr.\  ©  3 .  preci- 
ous and  profitable  beyond  imagination,  105. 1 6%.  comforta- 
ble and  cordiall  beyond  apprehenfion,  Vcta^.  This  being 
troth,yeathcwordoftruth,/b£.i7.i7.  8.51,52.  CV*/Ti.y. 
It  containing  the  firme  and  fare  doctrine,  and  teaching  the 
true  way  to  attaine  eternall  falvation.  So  that. 

Would  you  know  what  and  how  to  beleevc  ?  That  will 
foftru&you. 

Would  you  know  how  to  live  ?  That  willfteach  you* 

Would  you  difecrne  errours?  That  will  enlighten  you. 

Would  you  amend  your  lives?  That  will  perfwade  and 
crefcribehow. 

Would 


Sect.1.  TheChriflianCdrfiH.  71 

Would  you  find  Confolation :  That  will  atfbord  if. 

This  being  the  fcuntaine  of  truth,  from  whence  flow  forth 
the  bleffed  ftreames  of  facred  truth  by  the  Miniftcryof  the 
Word. 

This  being  alfo  part  of  this  girdle  oftruth,(trengthening  and 
adorning  the  foule  of  a  Chri(tian,as  a  girdle  doth  the  body  ofa 
fouldierin  warre. 

2 .  Confider  how  vengeance  unconceiveable  purfues  as  hi* 
proper  euerdon  the  glorying  hypocrite.  He  fturil  not  come 
before  God,  Job  1 5.  \6.  He  hcapes  up  wrath,  j6\i 3.  And 
he  is  moft  wofull,  Matth.  2  %*  And  hew  mercy  ineftimable 
and  ineffable  attends  the  fincere  and  upright  man.  See  one 
place  for  inftance,  Pfal.  84. 1 1 .  The  Lord  wii  give  trace  and 
glory,  dec.  Where  fivefpeciall  prerogatives  and  priviledges 
of  fuch  men  are  fet  downe :  Two  metaphorically,  Sun  And 
Shield,  and  three  other  familiarly,  Grace  and  g/oryt  and  every 
good  thing* 

The  Lord  who  is  refembled  to  a  Sua  in  regard  of 

1.  The  purity  of  the  Sun :  for  although  there  be  many 
compound  and  mixed  lights  in  the  Churth  ;  yet  it  there  but 
one  perfect  and  pure :  although  many  dimmeand  obfewre, 
yet  one  onely  cleare  and  without  darknefle. 

a.  The  fmgnlarity  and  fbveraignty  of  the  Sun  compared 
with  the  ftarres  :  He  being  that  one  and  onely  originall,  et 
ientiall,  and  authenticall  light  and  fpirituall  Sun,  though  there 
bemanyfecondaryandinferiour,  or  inftrumentall  lights  and 
ftarres  in  the  Church  ofGod. 

5 .  The  Efficiency  t  He  alone  and  onely  he  being  able  to  give 
Efficient  light  to  the  whole  Church. 

4  The  liberality  of  the  Sun,  He  and  he  alone  gives  light^ 
t>r  (nine  to  all. 

5 .  The  brightnefei  for  though  the  Sun  be  more  beautifull, 
bright  and  glorious  than  all  other  ftarres :  yet  the  Lord  is 
thoufands  of  degrees  brighter  than  the  Sun. 

6.  The  ft  ability*.  For  although  the  light  of  the  Sun  be  of 
long  continuance,  yet  the  light  of  the  Lord  iafteth  Ionger,even 

>revcr. 

F  4  7.  The 


Ji  The  Chrijllan  CtnfliB.  CHAP.7. 

7.  Tin  'fficscj :  For  although  the  Sun  have  great  power 
over  mens  bodies,  and  workes  upon  them  both  by  his  light, 
heat,  and  influence,  yet  the  Lord  himfelfehath  greater  power 
over  their  foules.  I  fay,  the  Lord  who  thus  is  refenabled  to 
the  San,  is  their  Sun ;  that  hf  illumination,dire#ion,  coniza- 
tion: therefore, 

I.  Such  cannot  want  light,  either  understanding,  judge- 

mentjknowlcdgejor  comfort,1ife,ftrength,and  health. 
a.  The  Lord  will  guide  their  wayes,  and  direft  their 

thoughts  and  counfels. 
3.  The  Lord  will  comfb? t  theroin  all  their  aflMions,  tri- 
bulations and  perfections. 
*.  The Lord&tbik  fiictdox  fifety,  protection  and  prefer- 
ration, 

A  (Weld  he  is,  not artificiall,natural],or  politicall :  but  mo* 
rall,fpirituall,celeftiall,  fbveraigne,fureandfuffidcnt.  Shield- 
ing thefe  fore-named,  by  his  mercy  and  favour,  P/i/.  y .  1 2.6 1 . 
7.  By  his  powerrull  right  hand,  Pfai.i  8:35.  By  his  omnipo- 
tent arme,7y4/.4f  3.  Ky his faithfull truth,  P/4/.p  14*  And 
by  his  grace,  *  Car.  1 2  9. 

He  is  their  fhield,  to  beare  offthe  bitter blowes,  beat  back 
the  direfiill  darts,  brealcethe  furious  force  of,  and  to  cover, 
ftiadow,  and  fave  from  the  empoyfoned  (lings  of  the  diaboli- 
cal 1  a  {Vaults  of  their  implacable  and  hellifh  adversaries* 

The  Lord  is  their  fhield,  preferving  thenairom  deftrufti- 
©n,  delivering  them  from  danger  and  diftrefle :  fo  that  no- 
weapons  of  the  wicked,  nor  darts  of  Satan  can  harms  or  hurt 
them,  this  their  Shield  being  fure,  fufficient,.pre(ent  and  per-- 
petuall.  Great  therefore  is  their  happinefle  in  this  regard; for, 
having  God  their  fhield,  they  have 

r.  Themoft  bright  and  glorious  fhield,.  which  doth  not 
onely  delight,  but  alfo  dazzle  the  eyes  of  thole  thatdobe* 
hold  it. 

s.  The  mod  ready  fhield,  alwayes  at  hand  to  help,  fuccour 
atid  fave  them. 

5,  The  raoft  durable  and  lading  fhield,  which  cannot  \y 
W.aftcd  or  worncour*  . 


Sac  t:*.  The  ChrifiU*  CtnflUt.  7  j 

4.  The  ftroogeft  and  fareft  flikld,  which  w31  never 
fcrink. 

1 .  Earthly  ftiklds  can  fa vc  the  body  ondy ;  this  both  body 
andfoule. 

».  Earthly  (hklds  five  and  fhcltct  from  bodily  darts  one- 
ly ;  this  from  ipirituall  alio, 

3.  Earthly  fhields  feve  and  (kelter  from  feme  kinds  of -bo- 
dily dangers,  this  from  all. 

The  Lord  will  give  diem  *  grace*  Take  the  word  for  the  *.  'B^jjn£jjj 
anions  ofaflifting  grace,  a*naoKly>prefervation*  confervati-  x#Uc  \n  GeH.s. 
on  and  protection .    Take  the  word  for  faith  and  repentance,  £*  iirG^ccot 
whkh  amongft  faving  graces  are  the  raoft  prkicipaJl.    They  ^m«hS 
being  more  often*  more  ear neftly^ind  more  umverfaUy  urged  foun<i  S**"  \* . 
and  inforced,  than  any  other,  in  the  Prophets,  by  him  B+ftifl% 
our  Saviour,  and  his  Apoftlet .  Takeit  for  thofe  greateft  works 
of  grace  wrought  together  at  one  irritant  $  namely  union  with 
Chrift,  adoption,  juftifTcatton,  converfioa    Take  it  for  thofc 
other  principall  graces  of  faving  knowledge  jbyned  with 
faith,  jAn  17.  3.   Regeneration*  Uhn  £.5.  Spiriroall  regi- 
k   ment,  Rtm.S.  1 4.  Reprefling  ill  motions,  Odi.  j .  1 7.  Stirring 
up  good,  //*.  1 1 .  * .  Which  are  the  fruits  ©f  the  Spirit,  G*l.  5 . 
2  a.  Amongft  the  whkh  thefe  are  in  number  of  the  beft,  fc.  an 
titter  diflike  offinne  becaufe  it  is  finne,  Remq*  An  hungry  de- 
fire  to  be  at  unity  with  God  in  Chrift,  Pf$t.^.4:   And  the  gift 
of  hearty  prayer,  Z*cb.  1  a.  1  o.R&m.  8. 2  6.  Sound  and  faving 
oomfortindiftrcne,  as  in  outward  calamities,  and  troubkof 
conference,. £*/*.?.*,?.  Inward,,  fpirituall,.  found  and  faving 
ftrengthto  do  the  waightieft  ditties  of  a  mans  calling,  asare 
thefe  and  fuch  like  following,   i .  At  the  fight  of  his  finnes  to- 
lift  up  the  hand  of  faith  to  heaven,  and  to  catch  hold  of  Gods 
mercy  in  Chrift.   a.  In-time  of  temptation  to  refift  thefame, 
being  as  hard  a  matteras  for  drk  wood  to  refift  the  fire^  3.  To 
fbrfake  all  for  Chrifts  fake.  4.  To  acknowledge  Gods  pro- 
\  vidence,  tore  jayce  in  it9  to  rely  upon  it  in  the  want  of  ordina- 
te meanes,  as  hard  a  thing  to  do  (without  Gods  fpcciall  affi- 
Hnce^  as  to  fliake  the  whole  earth. 

Take  it  for  inward  or  .outward  grace  with  God  or  men, 

which 


74  -  The  ChriflUn  Conflict.  Chap. 7. 

which  Ac  upright  man  fo  farre  enjoyes.  That  though  he  if  not 
gracious  with  all,  yet  he  is  with  fomc.  Though  he  is  not 
great  in  favour,  yet  he  is  in  fome.  Though  he  is  not  al  waves, 
yet  fometime  he  is,  more  or  Idfe,  fooncr  or  later.  Though  not 
vvitlnnen,  yet  with  God. 

Take  it  for  all  or  any  ofthefe,  it  &ewes  that  God  will  ho- 
nour thofe  that  honour  hiraby  fincerity  and  aprightnefe 

4.  The  Lord  will  crowne  the  upright  man  with  unipeaka- 
ble  and  immortall  glory.  Though  therefore  they  may  be  ab- 
ject in  vainc  mens,  yet  arc  they  moft  glorious  in  Gods  eyes, 
•  Though  they  may  be  vile  in  the  eyes  of  vile  and  wicked  men* 
yet  are  they  not  in  the  eyes  of  al  1.  Neither  are  they  altogether 
bafc,  but  in  part  honourable  and  glorious.  Nor  alwayes  con- 
temptible,but  (bmtimes(fooner  or  later)glorious,  exalted,  and 
honoured;  yea  they  fhal  be  made  glorious  hereafter,  and  ex* 
alted  above  the  heavens. 

5.  Laftly,  the  Lord  will  increafe  and  multiply  his  bleffinga 
upon  the  righteous  more  and  more,  fo  that  wbatfoever  good 
things  the  godly  want,  were  not  good  for  them  to  have,  the 
Lord  witb-holding  no  good  thing  from  them  totally,  finally, 
without  a  fupply,  if  it  be  good  for  them. 

$.  Have  a  continuall  defire,  and  a  holy  unquenchable 
tbirfting  after  the  Word,  to  grow,  as  in  other,  fo  in  this  grace 
of  fincerity  or  truth  of  heart,  l  Pet.  2. 2.  As  new-tone  bnbeg 
defire the  fncert  mtl^eofthe  PForcl9  that  ye  may  grew  thereby \ 

I .  New-borne  babes  defire  the  milkie  nourifliing  breaft. 

a.  They  defire  it  without  mixture  or  adulteration. 

J .  So  infatiably  and  unce(Tantly,that  though  you  chaunt  and 
(ing  to  them  as  melodious  lullabies  the  fweeteft  voices,  and 
moft  ravifliing  harmonious  inftruments  can  found  by  art  and 
nature  :  though  you  give  them  golden  garments,  pearles  and 
precious  ftones ,  crownes  and  kingdomes,  yet  they  regard 
themnotarufti,  neither  are  they  quieted  or  pacified  without 
the  breaft,  by  fuch  golden  and  glittering  promifes  or  perfor- 
mances. 

4.  Whereas  the  fruition  and  enjoyment  of  the  famef* 

thek  lowdeft  out-crie« ,  and  fils  their  hearts  with  abuH'* 

cr^orts 


Sec  t.j  .  The  chriJlUn  Conflict.  y  j 

comforts  and  contentments,. which  they  plentifully  teftifieby 
their  Trailing  countenance :,  and  oiher  childifti  toyes,  expreffi- 
ons  of  their  no  little  joy  and  gladnefle. 

$.  By  their  conftant  and  continutll  fucking  fuch  fvveet  and 
favoury  nutrinaeritjthey  grow  in  comelineffe  and  courage,  in 
ftrcngth  and  ftature .    Thus  do  we 

1 .  Thirft  after  the  nouridiing  milk  of  Gods  Ward. 

1.  Defire  this  pure  Word  without  mingling  or  cor- 
rupting. 

3.  Let  no  inchaunting  fyrenian  fbngs  of  worldly  dcligfetfull 
plcafures,nor  golden  offersor  enjoyments  of  earthly  content- 
ments Gakc  or  atfwage  your  earneit  longings  after  this  iubftan- 
tiall,  found,  and  favoury  fbule-fcafting  food. 
,  4.  Let  the  poUeffionand  enjoyment  of  this  comfort  in  the 
greateft  diftrefles,  ravifli  your  hearts  andfoules  withunpe- 
rifhablc  and  ineffable  confoiations.  Loveic  unconceiveably 
beyond  expreflion,  P/*/.  1 19.97.  Preferreand  prize  it  above 
thoufands  of  gold  and  filver,  Ty*/,  1 19.7**  Rejoyce  in  it 
»ore  than  in  great  fpoyles,  Verf.  161.  Relish  it  more  fa~ 
vourly  and  fweetly  than  honey  and  the  hon€y-combc,  Verf. 

5 .  Defire  it,  labour  far  it,  delight  in  it,  to  get  and  increafey 
at  other  graces,,  fo  this  of  fincerity,  ©r  truth  of  heart.  For, 
therefore  it  is  called  the  fincere  milk,  becaufeitis  not  mixed 
with  errours,  traditions,  and  herefies :  As  alfo,  becaufe  there 
is  no  deceit  in  it,  and  becaufe  it  produceth,  and  increafeth  fin- 
cerity. 

4.  Daily  and  diligently  examine  your  ownc  hearts,  which 
are  as  evill  fervants  with  whom  you  need  oft  to  reckon ;  and 
like  waters,  which  ((landing)  are  ready  to  corrupt.  That 
by  this  carefull  and  confcionable  Searching  and  founding 
of  them,  andthofe  other  meanes>  you  may  get  this  truth  of 
heart* 

3.  Togcttruthinfpeech.  Confiderwithadvifedcircum- 
fpefl  ion,  that, 

1.  This  is  the  precife  precept  and  commandementof  your 
noftabfolutc  Soveraigne  Lord  3  and  the  dire  A  will  of  your 

good 


7*  The  ChrifiUn ConfHZt.  Cha*«7* 

good  God  and  gracious  Father,  <Pfal.  1 5 . a .  ^.  4.25. 

2«  One  mains  <nd  of  fpecch  is  to  declareaad  expicflcthc 
meaning  of  the  mind  and  heart. 

3.  That  the  contrary  hereunto,  namely  lying,  isdreadfoll 
and  damnable. 

1 .  Being  the  Di vcls  darling  daugbtcr,whofc  father  he  b, 
jM.8.44 

2.  Being  fercrelycenfiired  and  fharpcly  condemned  by 
the  light  of  nature  in  meerely  morall  Heathen  men. 

A  figc  Garamant  in  an  Oration  he  made  to  Alexander  rc- 

&ial  /.M.J4-  porting  hiscountrey  lawesand  cuftomes,  faid:  We  ordeine 

that  a&  men  andmmtnff  take  the  truth in  all thing  J y  and  if  any 

ke  taken  in  a  lit ^  commit ting  no  ether faulty  that  immedoatly  be 

iefnt  to  death. 

Amengft  the  Lawes  which  Periauder  made  for  the  Corin- 

Cb-\  &  thianc ,  this  was  one,  We  ordaine  and  command  %  that  if  any  man 

or  woman  which  to  the  prejudice  of  another /haS  tell  any  lie,  fia& 

fir  the  [face  of  a  moneth  carte  a  flout  in  thetr  mouth :  for  it  u  not 

meet  that  he  which  ie  wont  to  liejhouldalwajet  be  authorized  to 

ffieake. 

fa&.6u  It  was  facriledge  amongft  the  Philoiophers  of  Athena  to 

kearealie. 

3.  Notbeing  of  the  truth.  No  lie  h  of  the  truth,  iloh.%. 
at.  Namcly,notof  God,  who  is  truth  it  fclfe,  and  the  Au- 
thor of  all  truth  in  his  creatures,  Pfal. ;  1.  5.  O  Lord  God  of 
truth.  Not  of  Chrift,  who  is  the  way  and  the  truth,  fohn  1 4 . 
6 .  Not  agreeable  to  true  Religion  tanght  and  contained  in  the 
Gofpell  which  is  truth,  Gal.  j.  1.  Not  confbnant  to  the 
Word  of  God  containing  true  doftrine,  therefore  called 
truth,/**.  17.17. 

4.  Occasioning  many  formidable  fruits  and  execrable  ef- 
fects, for  neceffarily  and  inevitably  a  lyar 

i.  Crackes  and  cruihethfo  farrc  his  credit,  thathelofeth 
iaith  when  he fpeaks  truth. 

s.  Abominably  abafeth  his  tongue  to  wrong  and  contrary 
ends. 

j.  HeprwkciGods  ferere  wrath,  PfiL  y6.  Thou  /halt 

deftroj 


S  e  c  t.2  •  The  Chrifiitn  CtnfliB.  77 

destroy  them  that  fpea\e  leafing.  Doing  that  which  is  abomi- 
nation to  him,  Prov.  12.  22.  Ljinghfs  ar*s*  abomination  to 
the  Lord. 

4.  He  lofeth  all  right  and  intcreft  in  the  tree  of  life,  (huts 
himfelfe  without  the  Church  triumphant  in  heaven,  ta have 
part  and  portion  with  damned  rebels  and  reprobates  in  that 
lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and  brimftone*  which  is  tftefc- 
cond  death,  Rev.t*.  14,1 j. and  21,8. 

Hnv  like  you  this  you  licentious  lyars?  You'l  lie  for  ad- 
vantage to  cozen  and  cheat  men  in  buying  and  bargaining ,  to 
defraid  your  brethren,  to  clofcc  your  other  horrid  impieties ; 
to  hide  and  cover  other  mens  haiuous  enormities :  to  make 
your  felves  and  othtrs  fporr,  and  merriment  $  or  toharme 
and  hurt  the  innocent  convention* of  men  better  than  your 
felves.  Do  you  like  your  infcraall  father  ?  Do  you  not  blufh 
for  fhame  (profefling  Chriftianity)  to  be  worfe  than  Pagans  ? 
D  jth  it  pleafe  you  to  have  no  intereft  in  God,nor  yet  to  be  cre- 
dited fpeaking  truth  ?  If  fo,.go  on  :  yea.  if  heaven  it  of  little 
or  no  worth  with  you,  and  if  you  fo  much  deffre  hellifh  tor- 
ments. Heare  the  Poet  and  Phiiofbpher  fjteake.  a  He  is  as  ?  "?mI1:*» 
batefmR  to  me  as  heft,  who  thinkes  one  thing  and  ft  cakes  Mother,  1«>J  VSfi)/«» 
faith  the  Poet.    b  A  Ho  in  it  felfe  is  vile  and  odious,  faith  the  »*>»«»  '*  x'fo»- 

To  get  truth  in  cariagc  and  in  your  outward  con  venations,  *«?«• 
ftt  your  felves  alwayes  in  Gods  prefence,  and  before  his  ^^f/^l* 
judgement-feat.  Remember  that  from  his  all-feeing  prefence  rfu  4«^«  ><«*•> 
(whole  eye  is  in  every  place,  beholding  the  good  and  the  bad,  Hmi  ^*?"' 
*Prov.  1 5.3 .  who  is  the  fcarcher  of  the  heart  and  rcines  )  nor- 
thing canconcealeor  cover  either  your  felves  or  yourciofeft 
a&ions:  Notany  place  in  the  fpacious  and  fplendent  heavens t 
nor  any  dark  or  difmall  creek  or  corner  in  hellfo  horrible  and 
hideous;  nor  yetany  nooke  or  biding  place  in  the  utmoft  parts 
of  the  whole  earthy  PfaL  139.7, 8, 9.  For  be  is  privy  to  the 
many  motions,into  and  from  all  places:   to  every  way  and 
pafTage  of  thefc  motions  1  ye*  to  every  ftep  in  this  way :  and 
to  all  and  every  pofition  of  downe-fitting,  up-rifing  or  lying 
4owne :  Vcr.  V3,4j 5.  Yea  to  every  fecret  thought  of  the 

inmod; 


7*  Tl  Cha».7. 

•roftke  Heart,  i?.i  5.13.  ^thereat!  any  part  or 
prcc)},  degiee  or  criftx-clion  of diBC,bkfc  frcxr  «,  bom 

thedres  dfes 

i  ;p.  i  J.  2nd  a  tfcoiriandyearesgone  and  psft  art  bet  «s 
yefteiday;  ax!  therefore  C«w/  cnidl  crimfon  crime  as  frefh 
wirhh!rr?,3sit"cveTTtKrwk  w*inafh'rg.    Live  therefore  al- 
wayes  in  Gods  ptclence :  approve  your  (elves  and yoor  (eve- 
i  ^clionstoGad,that  *s  I*fob$  tbvouallffiay  bcopr 

tnx  and  boneit  in  yoor  a&ions. 

a.  And yc« who havt it, icllftno^,Pr#p.2 5.13.  Malcenot 
a  Height  reckoning  of  it  as  mer;  commonly  do  or  foch  thingi 
thcyfcU.  Let  it  not  goby  3*7  rrca  res,  upon  any  condition  t 
for  any  refpecS,  let  not  Sitawthat ftbtiti  ferpent,  let  no  adulte- 
rating Priefts  and  Tefuites^ot  any  otter  imp  or  inffrment  of 
that  deceitfull  DiveO  wreft  away  by  faire  enticements,  pfatv 
&fc  arguments ,  or  bine rperic anion,  mis  gmflc  of  troth 
from  us. 

OfyB.i.  Lettbew^rbattfwhmjWgemcTitiiWBjecel^ 
fry  and  very  dangerous. 

1.  That  rretrWn  hero  brirfpi»irard 
QhrniJcs ,  and  hard  and  barfceer fares  of wife  and  worldly 
sen*      i  * 

5.  Let  them  fay  there  is  no  living  in  mis  loofe  andlkenti- 
oa  age  without  lying. 

4.  And  rhatp-aire  andhoceft  dealirg  wTJdfe  a  beggar; 
and  lKTia<coTnefkII  disgrace,  sr^reproa*fcfuH  obloquy. 

Yet  feB it  cor,  partBOC  withir,  lent  not  go,  boidk  6ft: 
for, 

•A*  V  t  T>*  Hoty  Gboft  puwurih  men  danced, 
who  believe  riot  trje  truth,  a7A/f.a.x.  aJdxwgb  thefe  iedu- 
eers  6y  n  9  not  neccfey.  And  confidently  affii  ineili  that  k u 
anc"  ^efle,anda  matter  of  lrjovdng  ta  infer  &r 

tbetrmn,  i^fMtb.  5.10,11.  Though  tfccfc  i*oiioiBJtek  pe- 
ri; ^cn?. 

a.  As  for antk or  heart,  it  is  tlsesx&abfelaae  foveraigne 


■nridbte  aedptdttvitiv^a^f^difbirbingde^itiui^ ,  J*t 
vj^fi.  Afaoftflrot^firf^oftkigpropaxxtp 


Sb  c  t.»#  The  Chriflm  Ctnflitt.  J*) 

a  man  in  the  midft  of  his  manifold  miferics  and  mifcariages : 
and  a  moft  cordiall  comforter  in  the  moft  fcarefull  diftreffes, 
//*.  J  8.  $.  Remember  O  Lord  hew  I  have  walked  before  thee  in 
truth y4nd  with  a  perfeB  heart. 

Thefwayingof  theregall  Scepter  of  the  common- wealth 
ofthc  moft  potent  and  politikc  people  of  the  Icwes,Gods  pe- 
culiar people. 

The  foveraigne  rule  and  command  over  a  nation  which 
was  the  moft  warlike  and  potent  under  the  cope  ©f  hea- 
ven. 

The  £fc  conduit  of  many  mighty  vigilant  conftant  guar- 
ders* 

The  advifed  poUcie  and  deliberate  counfels  of  fage  Se- 
cateurs. 

The  daily  and  diligent  attendance  of  heroicall  and  princely 
Servitours. 

The  arcandinduftry  of  the  moll  learned  and  skilfull  Phi- 
fitians. 

The  mod  curious  cates,  coftly  garments,  harmonious  mu- 
fickc,  fwcet  perfumes,  and  all  other  delights  of  the  fonnes  of 
men,  which  do  mod  abound  in  the  Courts  of  Kings,  could  not 
folace  He<,ekiab  (6  on  his  bed  of  fickne(Te,asdid  the  foundnefle 
and  (incerity  of  his  pare  and  perfedfc  heart.     • 

Ndcher  are  thofe  many  judgements  infli&ed  upon  the  up- 
right, tokens  of  Godsirefuli  indignation,  bun  of  his  fatherly 
love  and  favour,  Heb.  1 2.6.  And  as  for  the  harfh  conceits  and 
ram  contumelious  cenforious  conclufions  of  other  men,  they 
may  not  diftiearten  nor  cannot  difmayan  upright  man,  who 
hath  boldneffe  towards  God ,  when  his  owne  heart  doth  not 
condemne  him,  1  /0&.3.JI. 

3.  And  as  for  thofe  pernicious  periclitations  propofeda- 
gainft  plaine  dealing  and  true  fpeaking,  they  are  not  reall,one- 
ly  pretendcd,witne{feche  common  and  ufuallpraftifes  of  moft 
men,  defiringto  deale  and  commerce  with  fuch  whom  they 
are  perfwaded  will  dealc  truly  and  plainly.  VV  itnefc  Gods 
curfc  againftgaine  gotten  deceitfully,  Prev.iot\  7.  And  Gods 
many  mercifull  favours  promifed  to  the  upright  man ,  PfaU 

na. 


So  The  chriJUan  Cwfltft.  Ch  a  p  .7. 

1 1 2.i,i,3,&c.And  as  for  thofe  railing  Teproacbes,diftruftfull 
difgraces,and  virulent  upbraidings  for  venue  and  uprightneflfe 
lake,  they  aTC  but  as  Co  many  radiant  and  refulgent  pcarles,and 
garnishing  gemms  faftly  joy  ned  and  firmly  fixed,  toourim- 
mortall  cro  wne  of  joy  and  glory. 


T 


The  ChriM***  Hrefl-ptet. 

He  fccond  peece  of  armour  you  fouldiers  of  Chrift  mutt 
buckle  about  you  and  keepe  faft,  is,  the  breft-plate  of 
TighteoufncfTe ,  or  a  brcft-plate  which  is  righteoufneflc, 
that  is ,  a  ftudy  and  endeavour  to  keepe  a  good  confei- 
«ncc,  and  to  lead  a  holy  and  upright  life,  in  thegenerall 
calling  of  Chriitianity ,  and  in  your  particular  vocations 
This  is  not  rightsouf  iclfe  of  imputation  which  is  by  faith: 
but  of  imitation,  an  excellent  fruit  flowing  from  the  former, 
confiding  in  godlineflfe  towards  God,  innocency  of  private 
life/neighbourly  love,  and  a  faithfull  performance  of  particu- 
lar duties  of  perfonall  callings. 

O  hjtS.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  this  righteoufneflTe  of  imita-  ^ 

Anfn.  tionis  needlefle,  where  that  of  imputation  is  enjoyed  ;  This 

beingancceffary  inevitable  path-way,  wherein  we  muftcon- 
ftantly  w-alktoattainceternallfalvation,  £*£.?. 7?.  1  Cor. 6* 
9*  ^Cf  *"r*£b*eow  per  fox,  &c.  Thisbeing  necerfar  y  to  teftifie 
our  obedience,  to  witnefle  our  thank ful  neflfe,  to  evidence  our 
juftification  and  election,  to  manifdt  our  faith,  and  maintaine 
our  caufc  againft  contradi&ers  cavills  :  as  that  is  need- 
full  to  apply  the  righteoufneflTe  of  Chrift,  and  fupportour 
felves  againft  our  manifold  imperfedions ,  defections  and 
wants. 

QijiQ.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  this  ri^hteoufnefle  is  no- 

thing worth ,  all  our  things  being  but  loflfe,  and  dung ,  Tktl. 

v4*fa  3*  3-  and  our  righteoufneflc  as  filthy  rags,  1ft.  64.  6     For 

though  in  it  felfe  it  is  defective  and  oppofed  to  Chrifts 
rightGoufheffe,  it  is  but  lone  :    Yet  as  it  is  a  heavenly 

workc 


Sic  t.J.  fheChriftUnCtoflilt.  it 

worke  of  Gods  holy  and  blefled  Spirit,  as  it  procccdeth 
from  a  regenerate  heart  purified  by  a  lively  filth ,  and 
as  its  imperfections  are  covered  with  Christs  perfect 
righteoufneflfe,  itpleafeth  the  Lord,  and  profits  the  Pro- 
fe  flour. 

Say  not  my  beloved  brethren ,  that  a  man  may  bee  too 
juft  or  righteous,  Ecclcfiaftcs  7.  it.  Bee  not  righteem _*. 
ver  mush  :  Which  words  may  fceme  at  the  firft  fight 
to  bee 

A  needkfle  perfwafion,  in  regard  of  mens  curfed  cor- 
rupt nature,  neither  prone  nor  apt  to  wifedome  and  ju- 
ftice. 
A-  caufeleffe  admonition,  righteous  men  being  geafon,?™* 

up  *  ''itleffe exhortation  in  regard  of  wife  mens  judgements, 
who  fo  highly  commend  thofe  vertucs  of  wifdome  and  righ- 
teoufneffe. 

A  gracelcfle  and  godlefle  kind  of  perfwafion  or  precept  in 
regard  of  the  counfell  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,which  fo  oft  and  ear- 
neftly  exhorts,  perfwades,  and  provokes  men  to  the  ftudy 
and  praclife  ofwildome  and  righteoufnefle. 

Yea  fbme  ftrange  paradox  of  a  Heathen  Philofopher,  rather 
than  a  parable  of  a  holy  and  heavenly  Preacher. 

Yet  in  truth  the  words  containe  a  double  dchortation,  from 
a  double  extremity,  in  a  double  venue  inforcedby  a  double 
reafon  drawne  from  a  double  danger,  or  difcommodity  de- 
pending upon  the  forclaid  extremities* 

There  is  a  double  rigbteoufhefle  or  juftice. 

Firft,  Theologicall  or  celeftia11,which  is  alio 

1.  Active,  wrought  or  infufed  into  us,  called  in  the  lan- 
guage of  holy  Writ 

1 .  The  juftice  or  righteoufnefle  of  God,becaufe  he  reveals 
it  and  imputes  it,  Rom.  3.21,22.  Bmt  now  the  righteonf- 
nejfeofQod. 

2.  The  righteoulnefle  of  Chrift,becaufe  he  hath  merited  or 
defer  ved-ir. 

5.  The  righteoolhefle  of  faith,  becaufe  faith  apprehendeth 


if. 


12  '-*  0*  cmpun  conjua.         ^  h  a  p  .7. 

ft,  andapplycthk  tQthc  finfull  fouleof  fuch  as  fliallbc 
faved. 
%.  Paffive,  a)  together  freely  befto wed  upon  us,  which  is 
called  inherent,  and  ftiled  in  the  Scripture  the  righteoufnefle 
of  man,  of  workes,  of  the  law.  Both  thefe  kinds  meeting  in' 
one  man ,  are  fame  times  implied  in ,  and  fignifted  by  one 
word  ,  the  fame  which  is  here  ufed.  Thus  was  Noah  a  j'uft 
man,  Gtwf.6.  lob,  Chap.  1 . 8.  Ztchariah  and  EH^ahetb ,L*^. 
I .  Iofepby  MAtth.  1 .  were  juft  men.  And  in  this  ienfe  a  juflr 
man,  a  righteous  man,  a  religious  maa,  a  godly  and  fauhfull 
man  are  all  one. 

Secondly,  Civill  or  political], which  only  is  not  here  under- 
flood,  but  both  kinds  probably  joy  ntly . 

1.  The  words  being  general!,  and  generally  underftoocT  1 
they  comprehend  the  fpeciall.  „\\ 

a.  Becaufe  piety  is  the  ground  of  all  good  policy,  celeftiall 
» the  mother  of  civill  jufticc. 

3*  Becaufe  Salome*  doth  oft  confound  precepts  of  piety 
and  policy. 

4*  Becaufe  the  beginning  of  that  wifdome  which  Sa~ 
hmon  commends  unto  us  in  all  his  bookes,  is  the  feare  of 
God. 

Therefore  thofe  words  are  to  be  underflood  of  that  righte- 
oufneffe alfo  which  reachetb  to  religion. 

But  if  fo  :  How  agree  thefe  words  with  Salomons  wif* 
dome  els  where  ?  Exhorting,  perl  wading,  and  earneftly  pro- 
voking all  men  to  a  continuall  and  careful!  ftudy  of  wifdome 
and  juft  ice  ? 

Is  Salomon  contrary  to  bimfelfe  ?  Doth  hee  contradict 
the  whole  courie  of  Scripture  ?  For  who  is  hee  among 
the  Prophets  or  Apoftles,  Fathers  or  Philofophers ,  that 
doth  not  exhort  to  a  contrary  courfe  ?  To  grow  and.  in- 
creafe,  to  ftudie  and,  ftrive  for  perfection,  both  in  know- 
ledge and  practice  of  honefty,  piety,  and  godlineffe  ? 
Anf*.  Salomon  neither  croftetb  others  nor  co  ntradids  himfelfe  in 

this  place  :  For,  here  he  diffivades 

Not  from  the  practice  of  piety  ,nor  yet  of jufticc  and  equity, 

but 


OijeS. 


S  e  c  t  .  j.  The  Chrifthn  C*vfli&*  &$ 

but  from  the  vaine  perfwafion  of  them. 

Not  from  the  love  and  liking  of  the  feme,  bat  onely  from 
the  vaine  opinion. 

Not  from  the  inward  defire  nor  outward  endeavour  to 
attainc  this  vertue,  but  onely  from  the  deceiptfull  conceipt 
of  it. 

Not  from  the  practice  of  righteoufnefle ,  but  from  pri3e 
ii  it. 

Not  from  the  care,  but  conceipt  of  it. 

Not  from  travailing  for,  but  from  trotting  in  it. 

Not  from  found  wifdome  or  juftice,  but  from  feeming 
wifdome ,  and  a  feeming  (hew  of  juftice  that  is  fained  and 
falfe,  7*7.9.23. 

Not  that  any  felfe-wifedome  can  bee  counted  too  lit- 
tle, or  any  feeming  juftice  not  over-much.  For,  felfe* 
wifedome  and  feeming  juftice  have  no  meane ,  but  arc 
themfclves  the  extreames  of  true  and  found  wildome  and 
juftice. 

Firft,  Some  are  righteous  or  religious  neither  in  fhewnot 
fubftance,  but  onely  in  name,  as  vile  Belials  and  prophane  un* 
godly  men. 

Secondly ,  Some  in  fhew,  not  in  deed,  as  hollow-hearted 
halting  hypocrites,  who  are  ufually  too  juft ,  being  ftticl  in 
a  righteoufnefle  they  frame  and  make  to  themfelves ,  not 
grounded  on  Gods  Word ,  cJW^^#  7,  4  counting  fiich 
things  to  be  finne ,  which  by  Gods  law  arc  not  made  finne, 
being  cenforious  bufie-bodies  without  -juft  ground  or  war- 
rant. 

Thirdly,  Some  are  righteous  or  religiow  in  deed,  not  in 
(hew,  as  weake  believers. 

Fourthly,  Some  both  in  (lie  wand  fubftance,  asalKincere- 
bearted  and  open  Profeff  urs.  Thefe  can  never  bee  too  fuft  ; 
For,  in  true  righteoufnefle  no  man  can  be  over- juft  ,  that  it, 
:oo  ftrift  in  avoid Ittg  finne,  all  being  damnib'e  and  deadly  : 
yr-k\  performing  ?ny{>oundenduty,  he  being  to  y>ive  anac- 
irountofthemall. 
Say  not  therefore  (I  fay)  a  man  may  be  tcfo  juft  or  righteous: 

G  2  For, 


94  Tw  Chrsjtian  Cwfta.  <~h  af  .7. 

For,  although  in  palpably  prophane  perforw ,  there  is-too 
little  righteoufneffc  or  juftice,too  much  in  Pharifees,  Brow- 
nifls  and  Papifts :  yet  they  who  go  along  by  the  Word  of 
God ,  and  hold  clofe  to  it ,  the  rule  of  righteoufnefle,  cannot 
be  over-juft ,  or  over-righteeus.  And  although  fcwpmUm 
ftper/fiiioniluMar,  7.2.  (jl^inghjpocrifieyCM(Hth^.  3,4,  %• 
And  blind  prcpofterotu  z,e*hy  Rom.  1 0.2.  are  too  much  juftice, 
by  which  men  are  too  religious :  yet  in  the  found  aiid  fnffici- 
ent  praclice  of  piety,  obferving  to  do  all  the  commandements 
ofthe  Lord,  *!><?**.  6*2  5.  fearing  God  and  keeping  his  com- 
mandements,  Ecclef.x  2.1 3 .  Following  the  Lords  direction  in 
his  Word,  kJMica%6&. 

No  man  can  be  too  juft ,  becaufe  none  can  be  too  much 
truly  religious. 

1.  You  honourable  and  venerable  Magiftrates,  the  Lord 
Iehovahs  and  his  Lievetenants,  our  dread  Soveraignes  De- 
puties. 

1 .  Do  not  you  by  impunity  encourage  wicked  men  to  mif- 
cbiefe ,  for  thus  doing ,  you  not  onely  incite  to  iniquity,  but 
alfo  make  the  Land  guilty  of  (inne,  and  the  inhabitants  li- 
able to  Gods  judgements,  D^/jp.10,  :©.  1  King,  to  ^ 
tfm' 3.5.31,32,23,34. 

2.  Doe  not  you  (likethafe  corrupt  govemours  of  Ifrael, 
1  Kings  %i .  and  prophaue  perplexed  P*Utey  hhn  9. 1  o,  1 1  .y 
fit  in  judgement  upon  the  righteous,  and  give  fentence  of 
condemnation  againft  the  innocent :  For ,  fo  doing ,  you 
finne  againft  charity ,  which  bclicveth  all  things.  Againft 
juftice ,  which  would  have  the  good  preferved  and  prote- 
cted. Againft  the  common- wealth,  each  good  man  being  a 
common  good.  And  againft  God ,.  fuch  being  the  apple  of 
his  eye,  Zacb.t.  & 

3 .  Doe  not  you  by  fuborning,  fupporting-,  or  fettingothcrs 
on  worke>  harme  the  guiltleffe :  For,  fo  doing,  your  felvcs. 
fiaould  be  chicfe  actors  and.  agents,  As  David  flew  Vri- 
*h  with  the  fword  of  the  children  of  sstimmon,  tSam.12. 
9,10.  1 1.1  j. 

4.  Do  not  you  fuffcr  others  to  condemne  or  kill,  to  harme 

or 


5ect.$.  TheCbriJtidnCtnJiitl.  S5 

or  hurt  the  harmelefle  innocent,  it  being  in  yoor  precinct  and 
power  to  patronize  and  protect,  to  favc  and  i uccotir  them,  for 
fo  doing  you  are?ccefTariesatkafr,E*^.2I.20.  Det'.n*  8. 
Ithlf  I2,l3,I7.7>r#t;.24.if,i2. 

y  Doe  not  by  inhumanitie  and  crueltie  oppreffe  thein- 
feriour  helpelefTe  men.  For  fo  doing ,  you  will  fill  your 
hands  with  bJoud,  //*.  1. 15.  Swallow  up  the  needy,  Ames 
$4.7.  Eat  up  people  like  bread,  PyW.14  4.5?  4.  Andpw)- 
cure  many  bitter  pitteous  cries  to  God  and  men  againft  you, 
JMr.j  i.ti.13. 

But  doe  you  deale  juftly  and  uprightly  in  your  jurif- 
di&ior*. 

Loving  TJghteoumcfle  and  hating  iniquity,  Excd.  i?.  ir^ 

Having  your  eares  open  to  the  crie  of  the  poqre,  Tr** 
verbs  1 1.8,9. 

Regarding  their  caufe  although  they  cry  no:,  Pre.  31.8. 

Giving  fentence  according  to  truth  and  equity. 

Executing  judgement  according  to  truth  given. 

That  fo  you  may  imitate  the  Lord  Iebovah,  whofe  perfon 
you  reprefent. 

That  fo  you  may  follow  your  pious  fore-runrers,  Luke  1 3. 
50.  and  teftifie  your  fincere  obedience  to  Gods  fcveraignc 
commandements,  Z*cbt$.i6. 

a.  You  fathers  begetting,  i^r.4.14.  Mothers  travailing 
ffi  birth,(7rf/4.  1 9.  And  Nurfes,2 Tbef.i.  Feeding  fbulcs  toe- 
ternall  life  :  You  Shepbeards  to  draw  waters  out  of  the  Wels 
of  falvation,  not  for  beafts,  but  men  :  not  for  bodies ,  but  for 
foulesrnotforfinners,  but  for  Saints.  You  AmbafTadours  of 
the  Lord  of  glory,  co-workers  with,  and  labourers  for  God  : 
Airgds  oftl  e  Churches,  fait  of  the  earth;  lights  of  the  world; 
andmenofGod.  Let  us  not  cither 

1.  By  pining,  caudng  Gods  people  to  be  cut  off  and  de- 
ftroyed  for  lack  of  knowledge,  W^.4.6. 

2 .  By  pernicious  poyfoninq,  departing  out  of  the  way , 
caufing  many  to  Humble  at  the  law,  corrupting  the  covenant 
of  Lcvi9t3M*/.%.$.  Teaching  exorbitant  crrours  forfacred 

G  3  truths, 


j.  rsy   v»r/r»i»rMw  vvvi»w*i 


truths.  Mixing  and  mingling  the  dreggy  lees  of  our  owne 
droffic  devices,vamidfl:  the  delicate  divine  doctrine  of  the  om^ 
nipotent,  omnifcient,unchangeable  Iehovah. 

Like  thofe  corrupt  gloflers,  who  taught  as  truth  that  {Wea- 
ring by  the  Temple  was  nothing,  by  the  gold  thereof  a  great 
offence,  444M.3.18. 

3.  By XlothfulL negligence,  occafioning  the  keene  and  glit- 
ter ingfword  of  divine  difpleafure  to  fweepe  away  obftinatc 
offenders  inieir  iniquities.  And  }u(lly  jncenfing  the  incom- 
prehenfible  Iehovah  to  require  their  bloud  at  our  (his  watch- 
mens)  hands,  Ez-el^ 33  d> 

4.  By  over- lading  our  faint  and  feeble  brethren  with  theo* 
netous  burdens  of  unneceflary  things,  thereby  incurring  the 
inevitable  woe  of  the  Lord  Ieius,  Luke  1 1 .46.  And  the  (harp 
check  and  controll  of  that  ancient  Primitive  Apoftolicall  Sy- 
nod, Atts  15.10.28. 

5.  By  corrupt  contagious  counfell  and  evill  example,(tun> 
hling,  fcandalizing  or  weakening  our  brethren,,  Rom.  14,21. 
J7*/.2.I$. 

1 .  But  let  us  imitating  the  Lords  holy  Prophets, iS*m  1 24 
l£,  2?.  His  well-beloved  bletfed  Sonne  that  great  and  faith- 
full  {hephcard,  7<j/m  7.  And  his  pious  Apsftles,  zTim.*.i\ 
Fr*j  without  effing  for  the  Lords  people. 

2i  Let  us  obeying  thofe  facred  injunctions  fo  frequently 
inculcated  in  £cred  Writ,  Feed  my  Umbis^  Feedmyjbeep% 
PrcAoh  in  feafo* ,  And  out  ef  feafon.  That  is,  preach  on 
limes  fet  and  appointed  :  When  people  are  willing  and 
forward  to  heare  ;■  and  when  occafion  is  offered,  this  be* 
ing  in  feafon.  Yea  out  of  feafon,  namely,  at  times-extra- 
ordinary, or  when  people  are  backward  to  heare.  For, 
their  backwardneffe  cannot  excufe  our  negligence.  Our 
labour  is  with  God  though  lolt  with  men,  7/^.40. 14.  We 
reuft  fpeake  although  they  will  not  heare ,  E^ek^.  2.  5.  That 
we  may  magnifie  the  riches  of  Gods  mercies,  juftifie  bis  righ- 
teous judgements,  leave  them  without  excufe,  Ez,ekfi.  5  •  and 
fave  our  owne  foules. 

3.  Let  us  becarefullof  the  falvation  of  all  and  everyone 

that 


Sect.  J.  TheChtiftUnCdnflttt.  0*7 

that  is  committed- to  our  charge.  Being  careful!  tokeepeour 
felvei  free  from  thebloud  ofall  men,  AUt  20. 26.  Namely  of 
all  with  whom  we  (land  charged,  to  whom  we  are  fent,  and 
amongft  whom  we  come ,  keeping  back  nothing,  either  Pre- 
cept or  Law,  Promife  or  .Gofpell :  either  words  of  inftrutti- 
on,exhortation,  admonition,comminatiop,  confolation,  or  no- 
thingvvhich  is  ncceflary  or  profitable  to  ialvation :  But  (hew- 
ing unto  them  all  thecounleil  of  God,  namely,  his  revealed 
will  in  his  Word,  truly  ,foundly  and  fufficiently,although  wC 
cannot  wholly,  throughly,  and  perfectly . 

4.  Let  us  be  examplestq  bur  flocks,  in  word,  in  converfatH 
on,  in  charity  ,&c.  1  Tim.q.u.  That  they  maybe  followers 
of  us,  and  we  of  Chrift,  t  Cor.  1 1 . 1 . 

3,  Yea  let  every  particular  Chriftian  in  his  feverall  cal- 
lingjfaithfully  performethc  duties  thereof. 

That  fo  both  they,  we,  and  you  may  ferve  God ,  not  one- 
ly  in  the  generall  calling  of  Chriftianity  ,  endeavour- 
ing therein  to  live  uprightly,  walking  in  the  righteous  fta- 
rutes  of  God,  But  alfo  in  refpecl:  of  our  particular  functions, 
Rom. 1.9.  Doing  the  duties  of  our  perfonall  callings  to  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  his  people  fn  Church  and  com- 
mon-wealth. 

That  fb  we  may  notonelybe  free  from  the  Divels,  (for 
he  armes  his  fouldiers  with  oppreffion ,  cruelty  ,  deceipt, 
falfe  weights  and  meafures  ufually ,  &c  )  but  alfo  weare 
Gods  breft-plate ,  which  is  love ,  mercy ,  godly  and  faith- 
full  dealing  to  our  brethren  with  a  good  confidence ,  as 
l*cob  towards  Lab  an,  Cjencf.  31.  37.  And  Samuel,  1  Sam. 
1 7. 7.  Zachnry  arid  £tiz*btthy  Luke  1 .6.  lob  3 1 .  And  Paul 
who  endeavoured  to  keepe  a  good  confcience  towards  God 
and  all  men,  A&t  a  4. 1 6*. 

Pur  therefore  this  armour  into  your  breads,  that  is,  your 
hearts,  that  fo  your  hearts  being  upright,  they  may  teach  our 
eyes  to  fee,  our  eares  to  heare,  our  tongues  to  fpeake,  our  feet 
to  go,our  hands  to  labour,  and  all  according  to  righteoufnefle 
in  the  fight  of  God  and  man. 

That  by  abftaining  from  all  evil! ,  and  doing  aright  every  Al$u 

<}  4  good 


88  The  Chnpda  Confliff.  Ch  a  p  .7. 

good  duty,  the  two  effentiall  parts  of  this  breaft-plate  of  righ- 
teoufnefic. 

1 .  Our  mighty  Lord  and  dread  Soveraigne  Iehovah;whofe 
fouldiers  we  are,  and  whom  we  fervc,  may  be  honoured, 

t .  We  may  beautifie  and  adorne  out  noble  Chrittian  pro- 
feflion  thereby. 

1 .  Winning  even  wkked  ones, who  as  yet  are  without* 
1  P*t.$*  1. 

1,  Strengthening  and  confirming  thofe  our  brethren 
which  ftand,r  Tbefit6yj. 

%.  Procuring  a  good  name  in  Gods  Church  while  wee 
live,  3  £#r. 8, 1 8'  And  a  blefled  memoiie  after  death,  Prav. 
IQ.  7. 

4.  Stopping  the  mouthes  of  barking  Bclials,  making 
themaftiamcdtofpeakeeviil  of  us,  1  TV*. 3*1  d, 

j.  We  may  be  affured  of  our  erT:duall  calling  and  fpiritu- 
all  adoptions  Uh.t.  2p.and  alccrtained  oi  our  eternal!  electi- 
on and  falvation,2  Pet,  1 . 1  o. 

4.  And  prefei  ved  from  being  mortally  wounded  by  fin :.  for' 
where  the  brealt-platc  is  well  put  on,  fin  harh  no  power  to  kill 
downerightj  this  being  as  contrary  to  fin,  as  water  ts.tar 
fire* 

S  £  c  T.  4 

Tbt  ChrifttAHs  (hoot*. 
Their  {boots,  what  they  areytttdhMBpfttM, 

T  He  third  piece  of  this  armour  is  the  preparation  of  the 
Golpell  wherewith  you  muft  have  your  feet  (hod. 
The  feet  of  the  body  its  loweft  members  the  organs  and  in- 
firuments  of  motion  of  fupporting  the  lame,,  carying  it  from 
place  to  place,  being  fafe  kept  and  guided,  uphold  the  body, 
paffing  through  or  over  many  rough  or  ragged  waies,  hard 
aadhajftipaffages.  Whereas  if  theic  are  maimed,  naked  or 

un- 


•7  £  C  T  »  ?  •  IOC  L>t7Tl]ll**  C  OnjllCTi  %  $ 

unfcnced  (although  the  other  parts  have  fufficient  furniture} 
roan  marcheth  forward  efpecfally  if  through  thorny  and  crag.- 
gic  paths  ,and  againft  the  keene  and  glittering,  the  (narpe  and 
piercing  {words,  fpeares  and  pikes  ofin raged  foes,  limpingly, 
fearfully,  uncomfortably,  and  dangeroufly  defperately.Hcnce 
is  it  that  we  all  are  carefull  enough  to  fence  and  guard  our 
feet  aid  leggs  with  £hooes,bootes,  and  other  fuch  commodi- 
ous defences,  againft  fuch  miferiesand  inconveniences,  btirts 
and  incumbrances  thofe  members  (and  in  regard  of  them  our 
bodies)  arc  incident  and  liable  unto.  And  martiall  men  (as. 
we  fee  in  Goliab,  i  Sam.  1 7  6)  rhey  have  their  leg-harrefle 
to  faregiiard  and  protect  their  leggs,  and  feet  from  hurts  and 
wounds, leaft  thefe  being  battered  and  broken,  harmed  and 
hurt,  and  able  toftand  no  longer  themfelves  fhould  dangerou- 
fly pcrilK 

Tha  will,aflR:clior,s,dcfires,  cares  and  endeavours  of  the 
foulc  (its  feer,thefe  being  the  beginning  of  our  actions  as  feet 
arc  the  infttuments  of  motion  :  thefecarying  carmindes  up 
and  downe  as  reet  do  our  bodies)  are  to  be  looked  unto>when 
we  goe  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  Ecclcf.  5 .  1.  We  are  to  pon- 
der the  path*  of  thefe  our  feet  and  remote  them  from  evill,. 
Pr#.4  1^,27.  To  make  Gods  Word  a  light  and  lampe  un:o 
thefe  our  feer,P/<i/.  119.105..  To  defire  the  Lord  to  uphold 
our  going  in  his  paths  that  thefe  footfteps  do  not  flip,  Tyi/.  \nm 
5.  And  to  have  them (hod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Go- 
fpell  of  peace.   That  like  as  fhooes  defend  and  cover  our  feet 
fromthorrcs,  cold,  and  other  injurious  hurts  and  hinderan- 
ccs  to  which  they  are  fubjeel,  and  make  them  more  apt  and 
able  to  travaile  fafely  and  fecurely  in  the  way.   So  the  Gofpell 
of  peace  armeth  and  prepareth  the  feet^or  affections  of  a  Chri- 
ftian  fbuldier,  to  paffe  undauntedly  through  the  manifold, 
ftiarpe  dangers  and  difficulties  of  the  way  :  defending  them, 
from  the  hcllim  rage  and  malice  ofS3than  and  his  cruell  com*. 
plices,and  guiding  them  in  the  happy  and  heavenly  journey  t  o> 
the  kingdome  of  God. 

Wh*t  though  many  careleflc  Chriftians  want  this  weapon 
being  naked  and  barefoot,  or  too  flenderly  flaod  to  endure 


90  ThcCbrtJtunConpta.  k^kkv.J. 

and  abide  all  the  galling  girds,  and  bitter  brants  of  Sathan* 
fide? 

What  though  many  arc  fhodby  the  Divell  with  his  iliooes, 
fc.  a  preparation  againft  the  Gofj^ell,  to  afflid  Gods  Church, . 
punim  his  children,  persecute  his  fervants,  fpeake  evill  of 
them  and  (lander  the  Gofpell  ? 

Tet  letusthefouldkrsof  Chrift  be  carefull  that  our  feet 
•may  be  ftedfaft  and  fafe ;  for  if  cur  legs  be  wearied  and  woun- 
ded, brufed  and  beaten,  we  cannot  goe  a  fouldiers  pace,  nor 
iighttbe  Chriftian  warfare.  Profeffc  we  therefore  tbeGo-* 
ipellofGodfothat  if  God  call  us  to  mifery,  to  death,  we 
may  be  prepared  to  goe,  and  fuffer  rebukes  and  taunts,  death 
and  diftrcfles,  any  thing  all  things  for  the  Gofpclls  fake.  Or 
be  we  (hod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gofpell  of  peace ;  fa 
called.  Becaufe  it  worketh  atonement  with  God :  peace  with 
our  brethren,and  with  our  owne  confcicnces.  Called  the  pre- 
paradon,not  onely  becaufe  it  prepares  and  makes  us  ready  for 
the  comming  of  Chrift;  butaifo  becaufe  it  prepareth  us  to 
fuffer  all  adverfity  and  trouble  for  the  Gofpell. 
Mttive  i .  Is  it  neceffary  O  you  fouldiers  of  Cbrift  to  perfwadc  you 

to  be  (hod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gofpell  of  peace  ?  Sure 
lam  each  rcafonable  man  knowing  the  feet  to  be  naturally  (b 
nice  and  tender  that  if  we  goe  abroad  barefoot  (lones  will 
hurt  them,  thornes  will  pricke  them  :  and  perceiving  the  ne- 
ceflary  ufe  of  (hooes  to  cover  andkeepe  our  feet  from  fuch 
like  incommodious  inconveniences,  is  carefull  to  have  thefe 
members  well  fortified,  fenced  and  food,  that  he  may  goe  on 
with  boldnefle  and  courage  wbatfbeverthe  way  be.  And  (hall 
not  every  fouldier  of  Chrift  being  to  pane  through  a  very 
hard,  har(h,and  rough  way,  full  of  difgracefull  reproches; 
troublefome  taunts ,  variety  of  vexations,  terrible  temptations: 
many  times  full  of  perfections  by  tortures  and  torments,lofle 
of  good'?,  lives  and  liberties,  and  all  forts  of  afflictions,  more 
harfh  and  grievous  to  a  naked  heart  and  foule,  then  thornes 
and  thiftles,  briars  and  brambles  to  bare  and  unguarded  feet: 
bea9carefulltohavehi9  foule  well  armed,  and  fenced  with 
tfie  preparation  ofthe  (SofpcH  of  peace  ( withoot  which  there 

is 


S  e  c  t;$..  The  chrijlisn  Conflift.  p  x 

is  no  poffibility  of  going  on,  much  lefTe  ofholding  out  in  that 
way)  that  fo  he  may  not  onely  dare  to  adventure  into,  but  al° 
fo  endure  to  hold  out  in  this  way  fo  hard  and  harfh,  paffing 
with  undaunted  courage  through  all  the  tempeftuous,  and  ter- 
rible troubles,  of  this  malicious  and  maligning  world  ? 

Thus  armed  andfhod,  the  Lords  valiant  Worthies  in  all 
ages  have  pa  fled  through  the  piercing  pikes  of  the  aioft  outra- 
gious  oppofing  occurrences,  of  their  many  and  maligning  ene- 
mies, not  daunted  with  nor  dreading,  but  c^uragioufly  endu- 
ring, the  bitter  blafts  and  brunts  of  (comes  and  fcourges,  of 
bonds  and  prifonments,  of  fire  and  faggots,  and  innumerable 
fundry  kindes  of  crofTes,to  which  from  time  to  time  they  have 
bcene  brought. 

a.  As  the  waatoffhooes  in  fuch  places  where  they  arc  of 
neceflary  and  important ufe, and  maybe  had  is  (hamefull  and 
nnfeemely  2  And  as  cleancand  decent  fhooes  fit  for  our  feer, 
and  thereto  clofely  tyed,  are  an  ornamenr,decking  vnd  ador- 
ning our  bodies ;  So  (as  the  Laodicean  Church  being  poorer 
blinde,and  naked, was  wretched  and  miferable,/?*?!/.}, 17.)  it 
is  a  fhamefull  and  fordid  thing,  for  us  Chriftian  fbuldiers  who 
havefalong  and  with  fuch  liberty  enjoyed  the  Gofpell,  not  to 
be  food  with  the  preparation  ofxbe  Gofpelkrf  peace.  Where- 
as thefcfpirituallfeooesdeckebeautifie  and  adorne  our  fteps 
and  goings,  making  our  waiesand  vvorkes  feemely  and  right* 
Cant.  7. 1. 

Thattherefore  we  may  be  alwaies  really  and  readily 'pre- 
pared and  protected  againft  ail  the  forehand  feverall  kindes  of 
troubles  and  temptations. 

1.  Sothat  they  never  flnde  us  unfitted  and  unfurni/hed,/rf 
3.25. 

2.  So  that  we  be  not  difmayed  with  their  dread,  nor  over- 
whelmed with  their  weight,!  CV.4. 8,9. 

3 .  So  that  we  be  not  degraded  nor  difcorrtfifed  in  the  irridfi: 
and  mod  of  them,buc  more  then  conquerors  in  all  thefc  things, 

4.  So.  that  our  confolations  may  abound  by  Chriftas  the 
fuffc rings  of  C  hr  ift  abound  in  us,  2  Cor.  1 .  $ . 

J.  So 


f%  The  Chifthn  Conflict.  Ctf  av  .7. 

5 .  So  that  we  may  be  (lengthened  and  enabled  to  che arc 
up  and  confolate  others  groaning  under  like  burdenfbmc 
*prefllires,2  £>.  1.4,6. 

K  So  that' wee  may  ftand  out  to  the  end  to  fight  a  good: 
fi^hr,to  finifh  our  courfe  and  obtai-ie  thecrowne  of  rightcoliS 
nefle,  2  Ti m>  4  7,8.  Let  us  be  ca  re  fill  1  to  have  our  feet  flhed 
yA  h  the  preparation  of  the  Gofpell  of  peace. 

Sect,  j. 

The  Christians  fhield. 

■ 

Their  (hicldyits  excsihKcyi*ieceffity%  and  thsir  duty  com* 
cermvg  the  fame. 

THe  fourth  piece  of  the  armour  of  righteoufnefle,  is  tbc 
ih'e\d  of  taith.  A  (nield  is  a  defenfive  inftrument  of  war, 
*o  award  and  keepe  off  the  blowes  of  an  enemy,  having  a 
fburefoldufe ;  namely,  1.  To  receive  andbearc  blowes  and 
frrokes.  1.  To  beate  backe  darts,  arrowes,  flones,  and  bullets, 
&c.  $  To  breakc  die  force  of  fwords,  halberds,<£r.  4.  To  . 
cover,fave  and  fhadow  the  whole  body. 

Thus  «ood  Mag  Urates  a  re  fliields  (Pfaf.47.9.  The  fhields 
of  the  earth  belong  unto  God)  being  inftruments  offafety  and 
defence  to  the  good.  Thus  God  is  a  fhield  (<7**.i?.i.  lam 
th)  buiktr.  Pf*f.l%  t.The  Lord fe  my  Irmckjer)  to thofc  which 
tru'ft  in  him, Pfal.  1  8  3  o.  Thus  is  faith  a  fhield  bearing  off  and 
beatiigback  the  fierce  temptations  ofSjthan,  as  carrtallc3nfi- 
dence,  prefumptuous  (ecurity,diftruftfull  infidelity  ,and  other 
fierce  darts  of  the  world,  the  flcfli  and  the  divell. 

I  having  formerly  fpoken  unto  j  0:1  of  this  mod  neceflary, 
profitable  and  comfortable,  of  this  firft  and  mother  grace  of 
graces,  moft  of  all  fetting  forth  Gods  glory,  acknowledging 
his  wifedome,  truth,  power,  holineflfe,  juftice  and  mercy,  in 
another  difcourfe,  namely  of  the  fociety  of  Saints,  much  I  will 
not,  yet  fome  things  I  muft  needs  fpeake  of  this  capital}  grace 
and  head  yfirtuc. 

Firft, 


S  e  c  t  .  5  •  The  chrijtian  Ctrtflilf*  $$ 

Firft,  ^Although  many  prophage  pcrfons  and  popiflify 
perfwaded  thinke  and  fay,  that  fo  much  preaching  and  lear- 
ning of  faith  is  a  let  and  hinderance  to  good  workcs,  making 
men  carelefle  of  piety  and  charity.  Little  confidenng  rhe 
certainty  of  that  irreprehenfible  divine  truth,  Ucb+  \i.6.  With- 
out fsitb  it  is  if»p6Jft'*U  to  fUafe  God,  For 

i .  Ypon  whom  Gods  wrath  abideth,  they  cannot  pleafe 
God. 

But  Gods  wrath  abides  upon  al  1  raif-belee  vers,  hb.  3.35. 
2.  Without  Chrift  it  i$  impoffible  to  pleafe  God. 
But  without  faith  no  man  can  have  Chrift,  Epbff.$* 
13.  17. 

3 .  Without  Gods  fpirit  it  is  impoffible  to  pleafe  God. 
But  without  faith  no  man  can  have  Gods  fpirit,  G*l. 

4.  Without  the  root  there  can  be  no  fruit. 

But  faith  h  the  root  of  all  acceptable  obedience,  Heb. 
11.  4. 

5.  They  who  are  in  the  (late  of  reprobates  cannot  pleafe 
God. 

But  all  that  have  not  faith  are  in  that  ftate,  2  Cor.  1 3 . 5 . 

6.  They  who  are  dead  in  trefpaffcs  and  nxs  cannot  pleafe 
God. 

But  all  who  want  faith  are  dead  in  trefpafles  andfinnes, 
Epkef.i.iyZ. 

7.  Thofe  wbofe  confeiencet  are  defiled  cannot  pleafe 
God. 

But  all  who  want  faith  even  their  confeiences  are  defiled, 
Tit.l  15. 

Secondly 9*s4lthougb  godlefle  A theifts  conceive  faith  to  be 
fbmefained  fi&ien,or  forneunneceflary  thing,  for  difcourfe 
and  difputation  onely,  little  con fiderin^  That  it  ismoft  preci- 
ous and  excellent,  2  'Pet,  1. 1 . 

1.  /*  the  account  and  eft  imate  of  the  raoft  wife  un-erring 
md  oranifcient  Lord  Iehovah,  with  whom  faid.  finds  favour, 
M*t.%  sg.  15.18. 

a.  IjithceiUmationand  judgement  of  the  fanclified  and 

ilkmi- 


94  The  Chrifttirt  CQ*fttft*  Chap .7. 

illuminated  people  of  God  affirming,and  profefllng  that  faith 
is  more  pretious  then  gold,  1  Pet,i.y. 

3.  In  regard  of  the  giver,  and  doner,  God  himfelfe,  ?&/, 

I.    20. 

4.  In  regard  of  the  worker,  Gods  facred  and  holy  Spirit, 
?.  In  regard  of  the  inftrumentall  meanes  whereby  it  is 

wrought, the  Word  of  God>Rom.io  14.  this  being  amoft 
precious  and  excellent  thing. 

1 .  Containing  in  it  mod  pure,  and  precious  promifes, 
Heb.%%6.* 

2.  Being  compared  to  things  mod  excellent  and  eminent, 
namely 

A  rich  treafure,and  pretious  pearle,  UWaf .  1 3 .44,4?. 
An  heritage,  and  thoufands  of  gold  and  filver,?/i/.iip. 
1 1 1.72. 

6.  In  regard  of  the  object,  Chrift  Iefus  himfelfe  bleflcd  for 
cver,vY#.i<5.3i. 

7.  In  regard  of  the  ground  of  faith,  the  promifes  in  the 
Gofpell ;  whichpromifesareofthegreateftbleffings,  2  Cor. 
6.i<*,i 8  1  77*14.8.  27V/W.4.8.  And  the  fureft  promifes 
tha *  ca n  be  made,  2  Car.  1 . 2  o .  Heb.  10.23. 

8.  In  regard  of  the  ufe  and  end  thereof,  the  fakation  ofour 
fbules,j  Pet. 1.9. 

Thirdly,  +A It bongh  fottifh,and  fecure  ignoTant  peoplc,and 
loofe,licentious,and  lewd  loflels  content  themfelves  with  that 
falfe,  fained,  and  barrenfaith  which  is  fruitleflc  and  unwor- 
fcing :  yea,  and  boaft,and  glory  too,  that  they  beleeve  a&  well 
as  the  beft ;  Although  this  their  faith  is  onely  a  naturall  perfwa- 
fion  which  they  had  from  the  wombe,  and  fuckt  from  the 
breads:  not  that  extraordinary  fpcciall  gift  of  God,?^#7.i.2p# 
by  the  fanclrified  ufe  of  the  ordinary  meanes,  /?<j».io.  T4. 
Although  this  their  faith  is  idle,  and  unfruitfull ,  neither  puri- 
fying their  hearts,  nor  fen&ifying  them  throughout,  nor  ena- 
bling them  to  refiftfin,andSathan.  So  that  although  they  be- 
leeve as  well  as  the  beft  in  ttiek.o  wne  conceipt,  yec  they  live 
asbadastheworft. 

1.  Little  confidering,  that  though  faith  alone  doth  juitifie, 

yet 


Sbct.j.  ThiCkrifliavCtnflitt.  9% 

yet  Juftifymg  faith  it  not  alone.  Faith  without  workes  being 
a  vaine,  and  unprofitable  faith,  lames  2.14.  A  dead  and  live- 
leflfe  faith, /,*«*/ 1.1 7.26.  A  fained  and  falfc  faith, /*».*.  10. 
And  the  feithofDivels/4iw.2.ip. 

*.  Little  confidering  that  faving  graces  a  re  not  to  be  feve- 
red each  from  other,but  carefully  and  continually  to  be  knit 
together,*  P*/. (.5.8. 

3.  Little  confidering  that  faving  graces  are  energetical], 
operative,  orftirring,  and  working  graces.  So  that  vertue 
fhewesit  fcifein  action;  Knowledge  practifeth  obedience. 
Temperance  reftraines  the  appetite.  GodlincfTc  defines,  and 
endeavours  to  pleafe  God  in  all  things.  Brotherly-kindneffe 
exercifethwell-williing,welLfpcakingJand well-doing.  And 
faith  workes  by  love. 

4.  Little  confidering  that  faving  graces  arc  gaincfull  and 
ftuitrall  graces,  gaining  glory  to  God ;  good  to  the  Church  ; 
Sonnes  to  the  Father ;  Subjects,  Servants,  Sheepe,  and  Soules* 
to  Chrift,  as  hee  is  a  King,  Lord,  Shepheard,  and  Sa- 
viour. 

5.  Little  confidering  that  the  want  of  fome  faving  graces, 
argues  the  want  of  others,yea  of  all  others,  I  Pet.  1.9.  He  that 
l*ck*s  r£e/*,that  is,all  or  any  of  thefe,  alwaies  and  altogether  u 
blindjtnd  €#**•*  fee  *f4rre,&CC. 

6.  Little  confidering  that  all  his  popular  plaufible,and  pha- 
rifaicall  performances  in  Gods  worfhip  are  vaine  and 
vacant  without  that  faith  unfaincd  of  Gods  elect.  Without 
which  Obedience  is  not  acceptable,  Rom.  14.2  3.  Prayer  not 
prevailing,fo;».io  i4.Andconfefficn  not  available,  Rom. 10. 
ie.The  fruit  not  being  good  which  comes  not  from  thisroote 
The  water  being  polluted  which  ftreames  not  from  this 
buntaine. 

Although  I  fay  thofe  fond  and  foolifh  forenamed  people  do 
bndly  and  fantaftically  deceive  their  own  precious  aud  peere-- 
effefouies:  yet  let  every  true  Chriftian  fouldier  of  Chrift 
efus  highly  pri(e,and  labour  for  that  peerelcfle  precious  faith 
vhich  is  proper  only  to  Gods  chofen  children,  tbafore  called  1 
he  faith  of  thcxlec%7V/«i  1 .1 . 

For 


ft 


The  ChrijlUn  Conflict. 


«r«\*Co«7«& 


Hcb.n.i. 
Motive  I. 


Chap«7# 

For  that  faith  which  isfincere  without  counterfetinghyp©. 
crifiCjthcrcforc  called  faith  unfaincd,i  Tiww.1.5. 

For  that  fo  excellent  faith  whereby  wecobtaine  precious 
things,tberefore  called  precious  faith,2  Pet.i.i. 

For  that  faith  which  increafeth  from  one  degree  to  ano- 
ther, from  weaker  to  ftronger,  from  altffer  to  a  greater, 
Rom  i.ij. 

For  that  faith  which  relyeth  upon  Cbrift  and  his  promifes, 
efteemes  Chrift  above  all,  more  then  all ;  defires  Chrift  before 
all  things  ;delights  in  Chrift  more  then  in  all  things^nd  lookes 
for  the  foil  enjoyment  of  him,  therefore  called  the  faith  of  le- 
fus  Chrift, Atw*/ 2. 1. 

For  that  faith  which  defends  the  fpirituall  warriour  from  all 
forts  of  temptations  caft  againft  him  by  his  fpirituall  cne- 
nres,  holding  out  Chrift  and  the  efficacie  and  power  of  his 
obedienceand  furTering  againft  all  their  viperine  and  virulent 
trucu'ent  and  terrible  aflaults  and  temptations,  therfore  called 
the  (hield  of faith. 

Move  all  therfore  take  the  fcietd  of  faith  5  for  without  this 
all  is  nothing.  Ific  were  poffible  to  have  truth  righteoufnefle, 
&c.  and  lacke  faith  all  thefe  are  nothing. 

Take  therefore,  that  is,  let  it  not  lie  unregarded  '  and 
neglected ,  but  take  it  up.  Take  it  into  your  defence, 
fitting  it  clofe  to  your  hearts,  ufing  it  for  your  defence 
and  fafety  againft  finne  and  Sathan.  Take  it  againe  and 
againe,  or  recover  it  if  through  your  ownc  weakenefle, 
or  through  the  violence  of  their  blowes  you  let  it  fall 
or  (lip. 

That  it  may  bee  to  us,  as  it  is  unto  others  the  fubftance ,  or 
prop,  or-treflell,  or  bafts  and  foundation,  aground,  andan- 
kor-hold,  a  certainty  and  aflurance  of  things  hoped  for ; 
namely,  The  continuance  of  Gods  favour  for  ever,  Lev.26. 
1 1  ,i  2, 44,45 .  The  vidory  over  all  our  enemies.  The  foil, 
and  perfect  redemption  of  our  foules,and  bodies,  Titus  2. 1  ?, 
14.  Therefurre&ionoftheflelh,  hb  ip/26,17.  ^#.24,15. 
Thelifecverlafting,Hir^i2.2  3.  And  the  glorification  of  the 
Churchy  C<?r .4. 17. 

2.  That 


S  e  c  t  .  6 .  Tie  Chtijlian  Cenflift.  "97 

a.  Tbatitmaybctousatrae^earejiirfalliblejUndoobtfulI,  ^V***  , 
and  undeceiveable  evidence  or  appearance  of  things  not  feene,        *11,  Xy 
namely,  of  our  eleclion,adoption  Juftification,tedemption,rc-' 
generation,an^  glorification. 

3 .  That  by  this  we  may  come  to  God,  Hcb,  1 1 .6*  So  as  To 
ofreracceptableiacrificesor  fervices  in  his  fight,  Mic 4b  6.  So 
as  to  feeke  for  his  favour,or  to  be  reconciled  to  him  aga?  ne.  So 
as  to  pleafe  him,drawing  neereto  him,  being  againe  uniteeTto 
him  by  faith,from  whom  we  were  eflranged  by  iin.  So  as  to 
apprehend,  hold  faft,  and  reft  conihntly  upon  the  promife  of 
God  made  in  Chrift. 

4«That  by  this  we  may  fee  him  who  is  invjfible,  Wet.  11.27. 
andhispFomilesafarreorT.  1 3,r4.Conltantlybeleeving  them, 
although  we  do  not  presently  receive  the  fame :  yea,  So  that  ic 
may.workeinu*. 

Athankfall  acceptance  of  thofe  promife?,  though  as  yet  un^ 
performed. 

A  contempt  ofthis  world,  acknowledging,  and  confeflmg 
ctir%lejyes  ft  f angers  in  it.  1  $* 

An  endeavour  to  come  toheaveiv^eirpaffuig  excellent  ce* 
leftiall  countrey.  14, 

An  earneft  defire  after  abetter  life,  eftate,  and  condi^ 
tion.  16. 

Ah  aflurance  of  Gods  everlafting  favour  towards  us.  1 6, 

5  .That  by  this  we  be  invincible  and  inexpugnable. 

So  that  the  God  ofthis  world  tbedivell  may  not  blind  our 
anderftandings,  as  he  doth  the  mindes  of  them  which  beleevc 
not,  2  Cor. 4  4. 

So  that  That  man  of  fin  whofe  comming  isafter  the  wor- 
king of  Satan  with  all  power,  and  iignes.  and  lying  wonders 
may  not  bewitch  and  beguile  us  as  he  doth-them  that  perifri,be- 
c^ufe  they  received  not  the  love  ofthe  truth,  nor  beleeved  the 
fame,2  Tbef.i.  2/ 

So  that  nothing  may  be  to  us  defiled  and  polluted,  as  all 
things  are  :  to  them  that  are  defiled ,  and  unbeleeviog , 
Titus  1.  15.. 

So  that  wee  may  bee  true  Ifraefites,  men  having  power 

H  tQ 


?  8  T&  chriftUn  Conflict.        Cnxi.y2 

to  iptfevailc  With  God  and  men,  qenefts  3  2.1 8.  by  effedu- 
all  and  forcible,  becaufe  fervent  and  feithfull  prayers,/*«w/ 

5. 17- 

So  that  we  may  not  only  comfortably  combate  without  aHb 
co'uragioufly  conquer,  1.  Our  guilefull -and  fraudulent  flefh, 
purifying  our  hearts  by  faith,  A£l,\  f  .9.  *..  The  infinuating  in- 
chantments,and  infoknt  injuries  of  this  wicked  world,oppa- 
fing  by  faith  againfl  th is  world  the  world  to  come ;  namely, 
againftitsfcorrtefull  fcofsand  contumelies, the  reall,  irrever- 
fable;  and  i  nutterable  tortures  ofhell;  and  againft:  its  inveig- 
ling inticements,  and  inamouringcharmes,the  folid,  and  Tub- 
ftantiall,  incredible  and  incomprchenfible  joyes  of  heaven. 
Prifing  and  efteeming  by  faith  all  the  dunghill  droffe,and  glit- 
tering glozes  of  this  bewitching  world  not  as  they  fecme  to  be, 
but  as  they  are  in  truth.  They  being  but  dung  and  drofle  in 
<omparifon  of  Chrift,although  they  appearc  beautifull  like  the 
not  beneficiall  duflie  fruit  of  Sodome,  or  like  the  glittering, 
golden,yet  not  nourilhingloaves  ofCalignla. 

Thus  by  our  faith  we  may  overcome  the  world,  1  hhj$  ,4. 
And  bee  able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked, 
Epbef.6.16. 

TheDivels  temptations  with  which  lie  figketh  againft  us 
cither  by  himfelfe,  or  in  our  motions  and  concupifcence,or  by 
wicked  merrwhkh are  his  inftruments  are  Dartsfo  called  be- 
caufe they  pierce  cntring  into  the  heart  and  foule*  and  are  dan- 
•gerous,makinggreat  and  grievous  woands,leading  to  damna- 
tion :  and  Fieriefo called  becaufe  they  enflanae  and  fet  on  fire* 
.  Thefe  fiery  darts  the  Divell,and  his  fouldioursftioote. 

What  makes  the  abominable  adulterer,  wicked  curfe^ 
prodigioas  {Wearer*  lewd  lyer,prophaner  of  the  Lords  day,& 
divers  others  ofthe  like  ranke  to  heare  much,  and  yet  are  no- 
thing touched  ?  Sathan  bath  ftroke  them  dead  with  his  darts. 
What  makes  many  run  after  fin  as  if  they  were  mad?  Thej 
are  fet  on  fire  by  the  Divell. : 

The  danger  therefore  being  fb  great,  take  we  the  ftiield  0: 
faith  to  protect  and  fafeguard  us  from  Satans  temptations  tha 
theyannoyusnot, 

An< 


I  S  b  c  t.  f.  The  ChriftUn  Conflict.  y$ 

And  to  quench  and  cure  the  harmeand  hurttfcofe  fiery  dartt 
I  bote  donc,if  they  doe  pierce  and  wound  our  fouler 

Sect.  6. 

The  Chriflian  fouidiers  helmet* 

Their  helmet  Jbow  differenced  from  faith  and  counterfeit 
hefty  motives  to  get  and  ufe  it^&c. 

THe  fift  piece  of  this  armour  Is  the  helmet  of  falvation,ar 
Hope,t  T  be f.jm%, which  is  a  conftantdefire  of  the  promi- 
fed  happinefle,  and  a  cheerefull  expectation  of  the  iame. 

This  helmet  hope  is  Co  like  the  (hield  of  faith,  that  they  arc 
often  put  one  for  the  other,  i  Pet.i .  j,  yea,  they  worke  alike, 
and  have  many  like  properties,  priviledges  and  prerogatives. 
For  we  are  faved  by  faith, F'ph. 2. 8.  And  by  hope,  Rom.S.2^m 
Faith purifiah the  heart,  Aft.i 5.9.  And  hope  purifieth  the 
heart,i  7*6.3.$.  Faith  gives  full  afliirance,  Heb.io  22.  And 
hope  gives  full  affurance,  Hek.6,n.  Faith  makes  patient, 
//w.28.16.  And  hope  doth  the  fame,  flow. 8.2 5.  Yet  is  ic 
a  grace  different  and  diftind  from,  and  neceflary  and 
needfull  to  be  added  to  faith,  to  uphold  and  cherifh  the  fame* 
Faith  beleeveth  the  truth  of  Gods  Word,  and  imbraceth 
Godspromifesas  true,  Hope  afecrtaineth  and  afliireth  the 
performance  thereof  in  due  time* 

Faith  is  the  afTurance  of  Gods  precious  promifes. 
Hope  patiently  abides  the  Lords  leifure  expedinj  and 
looking  for  the  fame. 

Faith  puts  us  inminde  and  tels  us  there  is  a  heaven,  and 
crowne  of  gory. 

Hopealwaies  lookes  to  receiveand  enjoy  them. 
Faith  tels  us  and  affuresus  there  are  fuchand  Inch  things* 

Hope  perfwades  us  they  (hall  be  ours. 
Without  faith  we  cannot  belecve  the  truth  of  Gods  pro-* 
irufes. 

Without  hope  we  cannot  appropriate  and  apply  the  com- 
fo*fcs  thereof.  Ha  By 


XOO  The  ChrijHan  CoflfliB.  Cm**. 7. 

fey  faith  fnthepromifcs  of  God  we  areftren*thened. 

By  hope  in  the  goodnes  of  God  we  arc  contorted  in  our  af« . 
fii&ions. 

Faith  is  of  things  paft,prs{ent,and  to  come, 

Hope  onely  of  things  to  come.^ 

Faith  is  of  good  and  "evili. 

H  pe  onely  of  good  things. 

Faith  is  the  raufe  of  hope,  therefore  firfty  as  the  mother  of 
hope,/^/*^.*..!  The{[  i.t.Heb.ii.x. 

As  by  faith  theautient  Patriarks  were  affured  that  Chrifl 
flaeuld  co  me. 

So  by  hope  they  looked  for  him,and  faid  come. 
Gh'yd7rf  Fakh  (faith  S-Cbrfipome)  doth  begin  glory  :  Hope  doth  by 

faith  layeth  thefofsndation:  Hope  doth  buildup  the  man. 

Faith  gives  the  beginning:  Hope  doth  leade  4  Chrifitan  to  the 
top^or  end* 

Frith  doth  begin  the  entrance  of  credulity  \Hopt  dothpra&ife 
to  tJjeperfeEIion  of vert  ue. 

Faith  doth  beieeve  what  upromifediHopenow  beholdtth  that 
which  it  hopethi 

And  to  conclude  outof  this  place  of  Saint  Paul  we  may  lee. 
Faith  is  the  fhicld  above  all  tobe  taken:  Hope  is  the  helmet  to 
bt added  thereunto* 

Firft-,  what  and  if  Satanarmcth  his  fouldiers  with  a  certaine 
kind  of  hope  of  falvatio  ~,  perfwading  them  to  fin  under  hope 
of  repentance,  afcertaining  them  that  without  all  doubt  they 
f&all  go  to  heaven^lthough  they  live  licentioufly;  &  wickedly 
wallow-in  the  mod  dreadftill  damnable  deeds  of  darkhes.  Lit- 
tle confidering  that  this  their  hope  is  but  a  deceitfull  deluding 
mockery  of  the  divel,&  a  vaine  hope;  for  tie  hope  of  the  hypo- 
crites &  oflhofe  that  forget  God  (hall  be  cut  off>&  tljir  truft  like 
the  fpidsrs  web  They  (hall  leans  npon  their  houfe^  but  it  [hall  not 
ft  and,  t  hey  [hall  hold  it  faft  but  it  (ball  not  tndprc,  lob  8. 1  3 .  &c. 

Secondly,  what  and  if  the  moft  filly  and  foolhli  fort  of  men, 
the  moft  fenfeleffe  and  fottim  worldlings,  and  themoft  finfall 
^nd  fenfaall  ion*  of  Belial  think  it  the  cafieft  matter  of  a  thou- 

fan& 


Sec  t.J*  TbeChfiftUnCdhflifc  lot 

find  to  have  a  good  hope.  Little  considering  that  it  is  averj 
hard  and  difficult  thing  to  have  a  true  and  faving  hope  in  God: 
Witnefle  *D*vids  fervent  and  frequent  forcing  himfelfe  to 
hope  in  God,  and  fortifying  himfelfe  againft  the  contrary,  Pf. 
42.2,^,6.4;.^.  Witnefle  the  many  lets  and  impediments, 
which  as  obftacles  hinder  and  keepe  many  and  many  men  from 
found  and  faving  hope,  namely,  Satans  flie  and  fubtill  guilefull 
deceiptsand  fallehoods,  the  thwart  and  froward  condition  of 
the  fledijhating  purity, without  which  no  true  hope,!  /#^3.g. 
Witnefle  the  many  felfe-feducing  deceits  grounded  upon 
vaine,groundlefle,&  falle  hopes,wherby  every  man  almoft,al- 
though  never  fa  fenfuall  &  finfull,hopes  to  be  faved,  If 4. 5  7.10 
Thou  4rt  wearied  in  the  ere  tines  of  thy  way,  yet  faidft  thou  not 
There  U  no  hope.  Although  all  filch  who  are  without  Chrift,be- 
ing  aliens  from  thecommon-waalthof  Ifrael,  and  Grangers 
from  the  covenant  of  promifc  have  no  hope,  Eph.  2.12.  And 
onely  thofe,who  have  grace,have  good  hope, 2  Theff.%.  1 6. 
.  Thirdly,  What  and  if  many  delight  and  pleafe,  flatter  and 
foole  themfelves  with  unfound  and  unfetied  hopes,  grounding 
their  hope  of  falvarion  upon 

1.  Their  own  over  credulous  conceits*,  and  foolifti  fancies, 
having  no  more  evidence  for  falvation,  then  he  whofe  deeds 
are  written  in  water,  or  he  whofe  houfe  is  built  upon  the  fea- 
fands:thefe  building  their  hope  onely  upon  their  bare  imagina- 
tions,and  fond  fancies. 

2.  Vpon  their  forefathers  faith^nd  pious  progenitours  gra- 
ces,having  themfelves  no  perfonall  piety,  nor  faving  fan&ity ; 
like  the  proud  and  tombe-like  Pbarifees,  who  hoped  for  hea- 
ven and  happinefle  becaufe  they  were  Abrahams  children  (as 
if  they  could  fee  with  other  men6  eyes,walke  with  other  mens 
feet,  and  live  by  another  mans  eating)  CMatth.^.f.  Bat 
they  deceived  themfelves,and  difcredited  Abraham. <JM.4tth. 
5.10.  Except  your  right eoufnejfe  exceed the right  eon fneffe  of 
tbe>&c. 

3.  Oruponfome  perfonall  perfun&ory  performances  of 
fome  duties  of  piety  ,although  only  formally  for  fafhion ;  not 
faithfully  and  for  confcicnce  fake,like  thofe  boafting  braggards 

y  3  OH4ttb. 


yOS  *  ve  (jnrijttan  Liwpicf*  v>  m  a  r  .7. 

UWattkj.ll.  Lord,Lord  have  we  not  prophecied  in  thy  name* 
and  in  thy  name  have  caR  <mt  Divels  t  and  in  thy  name  dent 
many  vonderfullworkes}  Who  yet  were  fent  away  with 
this  fearefull  farewell,  Depart  from  meejee  workers  cf  ini. 
quit j,  23.  And  like  the  foolifh  Virgins,  counterfet,  and  hy- 
pocriticall  Chriftiar.s,  which becaufe  they  did  fome  things  as 
the  wile  Virgins  or  fincere  and  found  Chriftians  in  religion 
did  (being  like  unto  them  in  many  things,  namely;  1  Both 
having  Lamps,  C/J/rff/6.25.3,4.  The  lamps  of  both  giving 
light,*/.  8  Both  going  forth  together  to  rreete  Chriftat\6. 
Both  waiting  for  his  comming,  v.  5.  Both  (lumbering  and 
fleeping^.j.  Both  awaking  at  the  noife  of  his  comming,  v.6. 
Both  feeking  to  enter  into  his  bed-chamber,«\  10,1 1 .)  hoped 
to  be  faved  as  well  as  thofe  other  wife  virgins,  whofe  lamps 
had  eyle,their  faith  being  true  and  lively  working  by  love,and 
who  were  ready , v%\ o. that  is,  fuch  who  belecved,  and  repea- 
ted,who  were  eleel,  adopted,  juftified,  who  were  regenerate 
and  fancftifled, who  watched,  and  waited  having  their  loynes 
girt,and  their  lamps  burning:  Although  they  v/ere  effentially 
and  exprciTely  differenced  and  diftinguifhed  each  from  other  s  . 
yea,fo  that 

The  wife  haveoyle  in  their  vefTels,  to  preferve  and  feedc 
their  lamps  when  the  light  begins  todirainifh  and  decay.  The 
fcoiilli  have  none.. 

The  wife  are  carefull  and  conftant  in  the  fervicc  and  wor- 
ship ofGod. 
The  foolifh  fecure  and  carelcffe. 

The  wife  buiid  their  houfe  upon  a rocke.  The  foolifh  upon 
the  fand. 

The  wife^like  the  Anr,get  and  gather  in  fummer^hat  which 
may  fupport  and  fuftaine  them  in  winter.  The  foolifia  not  fo. 
And  therefore 

Although  they  feekeand  fend  for  tbofe  is  their  fickneffe 
when  they  are  ready  to  die,  whom  they  regarded  not  in  their 
wellfare,heakh,and  profperity,  as  faithful  1  preachers,  and  pre- 
ci  fe  profeffors ;  Say  ing,give,  u$  of  your  faith^hope,  foundnefle, 
fincerity^nd  confciencct 

Although 


5  b  c  t  .  6 .  T^  ChriflidH  Cwfliff.  1 05 

Although  they  be  earneft  out  of  time,  (hewing  their  for 
row,but  not  fincerity,  Crying,  Lord,Lord. 

Although  they  with  to  themfelves  the  end  of  the  righteous, 
and  to  be  partakers  of  their  portion  in  the  life  tocome(though 
they  like  not  to  walkc  in  their  fteps  whilfl  they  live)  faying. 
Open  to  us. 

Although  they  feemed  for  the  prefent  to  be  familiarly  ac- 
quainted with  Chrift  :  yet  at  the  judgement  day  they  lliall  be 
fhakenoffjrcjj&edjand  utteily  forfaken,^.!  2.1  know  you  not. 
Far  why  f 

They  asked  irreligioufly,impiouflv,  and  papiftically:  at  the 
inftrument  in  (lead  of  the  author,at  the  fervants  in  ftead  of  the 
mafter,at  the  foot  in  (lead  of  the  head,  atthecifternc  in  ftead 
of  the  fountaine. 

They  asked  prepofteroufly  or  difbrderly :  Righteoufnefie 
before  remiffion  of  fins ;  San&ification  before  forrow  for  fin ; 
Pardon  before  repentance. 

They  asked  unfeafonably,  too  late,  when  their  heart  waj 
hardned,of  the  wifejwhen  the  doore  was  fhut,of  the  Lord. 

For  why  ?  although  they  went  to  buy  :  yet  it  was 

To  buy  bafe  metcals ;  copper  for  gold,falfe  wares  for  good, 
a>the  matter  without  the  incanes  of  falvation.  Or  meanes 
without  the  matters  Or  Saints  merits,  relicks,  and  fochfalfe 
and  forged  trafh. 

To  buy  with  falfe  coyne,counterfet  filver ;  Having  a  defire 
without  end  savour;  Having  endeavour  without  defire  :  Oc 
both  cold  and  carelefle.  Their  defires  beii  g  feithlefle;  Their 
requefts  careleffc ;  Prayers  pithle{Te,and  povverIefle,and  theic 
endeavours  negligent,flothfull,and  idle. 

To  buy  careiefly,flothfuUy,and  lazily,;  Hngring.protradtiBg, 
difTerring,and  dallying,  being  flow  in  hearing,  bejeeving,  re* 
penting,and  obeying. 

What  and  if  I  &y  thofethree  forts  of  fbttifti  and  (educed 
fbules  before  mentioned  fuffer  themfelves  to  be  fi.ifully  ftupi- 
ficci,aadfatanicallyfurprifed.  Yet  let  all  thofc  who  have  any 
well-wiChes  unto  their  own  foules.  And  all  us  who  are"  the  fer- 
yants,and  fouldiours  of  our  Lord,  and  Mafter,  King,  and  Cap- 
toineCferiftlcfus,  H  4  fid\y 


I  ©4  The  Chripan  Conflict.  Ch  a  p  .7. 

Firft,Learne  to  difcerne  and  diftinguifti  betwixt 
I.  That  bope,whofe  Author,  Rom.x  5.1 3.  Nor*  the  god  of 
hope,  &c.  and  ObjecT:,!  Timt6. 1 7.  £*f  i«  *£*  /w*7f£  (7^ :  is 
God,and  his  precious  promifcs.  And  that  whofe  author  is  Sa- 
than,and  Object  men,  /fa  ,20. 5 ,  They  fcaHbe  affraidand  tea- 
med of  Ethiopia  their  expectation.  Vncertaine  riches,  I  Tim* 
61  7.  Charge  them  that  he  rich-— not  totrusl  in  uncertain  ri* 
ches^c.Ot  fuchlike  deceitfull  props  of  reede. 

2  That  hope, whofe  ground  and  fubftancc  is  faith,  ffcl.n.r.1 
And  that  whofe  bafis  and  foundation  is  only  humour  &  ima- 
gination^ the  fight,and  fenfe  of  their  prefent  profperity. 

? .  That  hope,  which  is  real],right,  and  religious.  And  that, 
which  is  reachleffe,ruinou9,and  reprobate. 

1.  The  one  relying  on  Gods  promiles,  although  they 
feemeunlikely,ff(?;».4.i8.  who  Againft  hope  heleeved  in  hope -, 
that  he ^c. 

The  other  failing,  yea  falling,  when  the  limber  and  brittle 
props  and  pillars  of  humane  fupport  (wherewith  i^s  borne 
up)  reele,  fhrinke,and  faint. 

2. The  one  being  diligent  and  indubious  in  the  ure  of  fan- 
ctified  rneanes:  The  other  flacke  and  fluggith  in  the  mcanes, 
hoping  for  happineffe  without  holineflc,glory  without  grace, 
falvarion  without  fan  edification.  Boaftingand  bragging  of  hea- 
ven, wholly  omitting,  or  at  beft  fleighting,  and  fecurely  neg- 
lecting the  way  direclly  tending  thither. 

Secondly,And  labour  to  get  and  hold  fall  that  hope,  which 
h  1  zScriptmehoipeyRvmAl.q.That  we  through  patienzeya»d 
eomfor^t  of  the  Scriptures  might  have  hope.  Frame  and  fafhion 
©ur  lives  according  to  the  guidance  and  direction  therefore  of 
facred  Scripture;  for  they  who  lie  and  live  in  tin  againft  Serij> 
ture  can  have  no  good  hope. 

«. That  hopejwherofwe  have  found  and  fufficient  evidence^ 
H^.i  i4i, for  which  we  can  give  good  reafon,  1  TV*. 3. 15. 
lead  we  be  like  banckerout  braving  braggarts,  who  boaft  of 
Lordfhips,  lands,  and  livings,  not  having  any  evidence  to 
Ihew  for  the  fame, 

3  .that  hope,  which  is  fruitful!,  and  effectual  J,  working  id 
the  hear*  a.Ioj 


OECT.7-  'inecnrtjitaniionjua.  IOJ 

I.  Ioyunfpeakable  and  glorious  from  the  fenfe  of  hea- 
venly bleffings  prefent,  and  hope  of  full  bleflednefle  to  come; 
joy  during,  and  long  lading,  ftirring  up  to  the  praifes  of  God, 
in  whom  the  Saints  do  joyyRom.j<  12,12.  iy.13. 

1.  Deflre  inftant  and  infatiable  to  be  delivered  from  the  bon* 
dage  of  corruption  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  formes  of  (jod, 
Rom, ,8.  19,10.  Or  to  be  partakers  ofits  hope,  1  Cor. p. iow 

3.  Piety,and  purity,  purging  and  purifying  the  owner  and 
poilefTour  thereof,  1 1 1^.3.3. 

4.  And  that  hope,  which  bath  Gods  image  and  ftpericrip- 
tion  characlred  and  ingravenon  it. 

1.  It  being  a  lively  hope,  or  an  immoveable  andcertaine 
expectation  of  Gods  promifes,  1  Pet.  1.3. 

2.  It  being  a  patient  hope,  or  a  quiet  and  fetled  waiting  for 
helpe  and  happineffc  from  God  with  courage  and  patience, 
tf#«.8.25.  iThef.1.2. 

3.  Itbc'mga 6leJ[ed hope,Tit.i  I$l 

4.  It  being  a  fure  and  ftedfaft  hope,  Heb.6. 1 9. 

Firft,  This  found  and  fubftantiall  hope  procured  and  ob^ 
tained 

1 .  By  knowledge  of  God  apprehending  his  mercy,  Pf$l 
\o.And  they  that  knorv  thy  Name  mR  put  their  trufi  in  thee. 

2.  By  humbling  our  foules  within  us,  Lam.  3 .  20,  2 1 .  kMj 
fottle  u  humbled  in  m,  this  I  recaft  to  mind,  therefore  hav* 
1  hope, 

3.  By  dreading  and  reverencing  the  Lord  lehovah,  Pfa/m 
1 1 5 . 1 1 .  Te  that  feare  the  Lord  trufi  in  the  Lord%  &C. 

4.  By  {hunning  evill,and  doing  good,  purifying  ourfelves 
as  he  is  pure,  1  lohn  3.3.  The  hope  of  the  wicked  perilling, 
Prov.u.j. 

Secondly,  This  hope  warranted  and  fuppQrted,as  by  fo  ma-; 
fiy  props  and  pillars. 

1 .  By  the  unalterable  Word  of  the  unchangeable  Iehovafy 
Rem.  1^.4. 

2.  By  the  facred  folemne  oath  of  our  good  and  gracious 
God,tf<£.6\i8,i*. 

3  •  By  the  legacy  of  Chiift,  bequeathing  his  to  bis  FatherJ 


defiringbina,  who  promifed  to  grant  whatever  he  (Lould 
aske,  to  keepe  his  Saints ,  that  they  might  be  where  he  ir , 
John  1 7. 

4.  By  the  invaluable  bloudof  the  immaculate  Lambe  Chrift 
Iefus,by  which  the  promifes  of  God  are  fealed  and  fubferibed, 
Heb.\  0.1^,20. 

.  Thirdly,  This  hope  thus  procured,  andprefcrved,  1 .  Kee- 
ping us  from,  and  comforting  us  agamft  all  unkindly  feares, 
and  dreadfull  defperation. 

*.  This  defending  us  again(t,and  delivering  us  from  backe- 
Aiding,  apoftafie,  enabling  us  to  expecl  and  wait  for ;  though 
we  have  not  prefently  the  thing  promifed,  afliiring  us  i^ires, 
that  though  we  be  not  now  efteemed,  yet  time  will  come 
when  we  (halbe Tome  body. 

3.  This  refting  and  remaining  with  us,  ilrcngthening,  and 
fupporting  us  when  other  graces  fee  me  to  finkeand  forfake 
us ;  this  (like  the  fiftiers  corke)  fwimming  aloft  when  other 
ve  rtues  arc  hidden,  and  almoft  over- whelmed ;  fo  that  were 
it  not  for  hope,  the  heart  would  oft  breake :  agreeable  to  that 
faying  of  David,  cPfd.xm].\%.  I  had  fainted  unlefielhadbe* 
iievedtofeethegoodneffe  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living% 
tbis(like  an  old  mans  ftaffe)  fuftaining  us. 

4.  This  being  our  anchor  whereunto  we  may  lafelytrufrfl 
though  afflictions  and  temptations  like  ftormes  be  railed  a- 
gainft  us,  Heb%  6, 1  p.  which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the: 
foukyboth  furs  and  ftedf aft* 

5.  And  this  being  a  maine  part  of  the  armour  of  our  filva* 
tion,  with  which  head-piece  all  Gods  Saints  arc  and  have  been 
armed.  We  rnuft  warre  likewife  continually,  but  in  hope  of 
victory  ?  What  {hall  move  us  to  indurcall  troubles  ?  The 
hope  of  ftlvation.  This  made  patient  JW,  the  pious  Pro- 
fefiours,  magnanimous  Martyrs,  conftant  Confeffours  not 
to  be  daunted  with,  nor  dread  the  utmolt  hellifh  rage  of  bar-* 
barous  and  bloudy  perfecutours :  And  this  is  as  neceffary  for 
us;  forwhatf)Cverweare,wearebutinhope$  which  is  our 
tenure,  and  takesup  our  poffeflion  of  things  to  come.  If  wc 
liave  all  the  members  of  our  body  armed,  and  our  head$ 

unarmed^ 


Sh  c  r.j.  The  ChriftUn  C*»fli6t.  107 

unarmed,  one  blow  may  kill  us.  This  hope  is  our  helmed 
I  Tb*fa .8.  Take  therefore  this  helmet  of  f  alvatiofyhope.   A 

Sect.  7. 

The  ChriftUn  fouldiers  fword. 

Their  fword j  its  dignity ,  diver fe  erroneous  opinions  alout  it^ 
and  onr  duty  concerning  the  fame \ 

THe  fiat  and  Iaft  piece  of  our  armour  folio  weth  :  Andthe 
{word  of  the  Spirit,  wfoch  u  the  Word  of  pod ;  (b  called, 
f7>/«/.45.  g  gtrd  thy  (word  upon  thy  thigh ;  which  pbrafe  is  ta- 
ken from  the  cuftonie  and  manner  of  Kings,  Captaincs,  and 
Souldiers ;  and  fheweth  the  meanes  of  advancing  Chrift  his 
gracious  and  Spirituall  Ki  igdome,  to  be  the  MinilTery  of  his 
Word ,  this  Spintuall  Sword  :  As  if  the  Prophet  fhouid  fay : 
Give  thy  Word  unto  thyMinifters,  powre  thy  grace  into 
their  hearts  and  lips;  (lore  them  with  gifts  Minifteriall,  and 
ftirrc  them  up  to  uie  the  fame  :  Send  forth* and  fet  up  a  (land- 
ing preaching,  and  power  full  Miniftery.  Hebr.  4. 1  2.  For  the 
Word  of  God  is  cjutcke,  and powet j W,  and  fiarper  than  any  two 
edged  fword.  R<-v.  1 .1 6,  Out  of  kU  mouth  went  a  fharpe  twe 
edged  fword.    With  this  Sword  our  Captainc  and  Comman- 
der Chrift  Iefus  did  defend  himfelfe  againft  the  Djvels  darts, . 
andbykhedraveaway thetempter, M*t .4,4,10.  Withthis 
Sword  he  confronted  and  confounded  his  foes,  Mat\h>ii*  and 
defended  himf  el  fc  againft  their  conflict,  JMatth.  13.  With 
this  fword  tsfpofos  coi  qnercd,  convincing  the  Iswes.and  that 
publikely,  fliewing  by  tl.t  Scriptures,  Ah  1  ^.24, 18. 

1.  This  weapon  will  defend,  and  maintaine  that  crowned 
EinprerTe  of  all  heavenly  graces  that  dwell  in  a  fanclified 
foule,  and  that  truly  victorious,  and  invincibly  triumphant 
Conq  jerour  Faith ;  againft  iufidelity  the  mother,  root,  and 
founttineof  other  finnes,  the  grcatefr,  mod  dangerous ,  and 
damnable  of  all  other  finnes,  lokn  ,  6.9.  the  principall  law  of 
AekingdomeofdarkQefte,  which  the  fubull  lerpcnt  endea- 
vours 


«o8  The  ChrifiUn  Conflict.  .  Ch  ap  .7? 

yours  to  make  reignc  moft  in  the  lives  of  men. 

2.  This  will  maintaine  and  defend  Hope  that  comfortable 
aflurer,  effecluall  expe&er,  and  affable  applier  of  Gods  preci- 
ous promifes  and  comfortable  conizations  to  come ;  that  fure 
and  ft edfaft  anchor,  flay  and  ftaffe  of  the  foule,  ftrengthening 
and  fupporting  the  fame,  making  it  inexpugnable  andunfha- 
ken  in  the  raoft  furious  incurfions  of  the  raging  waves,ftormes, 
and  billowes  of  worldly  troubles,  preflTurcs,  perfecutions,  and 
reproachfull  oppofitions:  againft  death,  the  prince  ofter- 
rours,  the  end  and  fumme  of  feared  evils :  againft  the  gates 
of  hell,  the  power  of  darkenefle,  and  the  Divels  fierceftand 
fierieft darts;  and  againft  dreadfull  dcfperation,  thehigheft 
degree  in  every  kind  of  diftreffe ;  the  greateft  oppofite  to  fa- 
ving  faith,  making  all  Gods  promifes  falfe  and  fained  •  the 

*cfoyf.Hhm.  mother  and  fofterer  of  tumults,  terrours,  a  and  perplexing 
*h1*  6%%'*6'  anx*eties> tne  b  wor^  ©f  finnes,  than  which  nothing  is c  worfe, 
Mauij.  m  lt  Putt*ng  mao  mo a  nell  «P°» eart^  wherein  he muft  abide 
iSer.de'pen.7.  torments  beypnd all compafle  of  conceipt ,  or  expreffion  of 
tongue. 

3.  This  wiirproteel:  and  preferve  Truth,  the  glory  and 
crowne  of  Religionf  which  the  more  tmc,the  more  excellent) 

4  clryf.cent.      Evincible  truth ,  which  cannot  be  d  overcome ,  neither  i* 

Cent.  Tom.  * .    daunted  with  the  many  multitudes  of  enemies.  Againft  here- 

fie,  which  (viper-like)  gnawes  and  eats  out  the  bowels  of  the 

Church ;  which  (  Scorpion-like  )  deceiptfully  poyfoneth  , 

which  (as  a  canker)  is  mod  hurtfull,  and  (as  tares)  corrupts 

i  Tim.  2.17.    good  feed. 

Againft  errours,  which  are  dangerous  and  damnable,  Pftl. 

Againft  do&rines  of  men,  or  fuch  doctrines  which  have 
none  otherthan  men  for  their  authors,£V.i.2*. 

Againft  the  doclrine  of  Divels,  or  fuch  which  come  from 
the  Divell,  and  keep  men  (embracing  and  receiving  the  fame) 
faft  in  his  fnares  and  fetters,  1 7V/W.4. 1 . 

Againft  tbe  unfavoury,fowre,  contagious,  corrupt  doctrine 
ef  falfe  teachers,or  their  lying  leaven  polluting  the  fweetneffe 
of  heavenly  doctrine  by  their  gloffes,  M*u  1  cs 

Againft 


Sec  t>.  The  chriJIUn  CtTiflift.  109 

AgairiY  thofe  deceiptfull  doelrines  ofTialasm,  Rev.  2. 14? 
'damnable  herefies,  1  Pet.2.i.  thole  lies  in  hypocrifie,  1  Tim* 
4.2.  thofe  perverfe  things  drawing  men  from  the  way  of 
truth,.  Afts  20.29.  And  all  other  things  which  ought  not  to  be 
taught,  Tit.  mi.  Wherefore  (faith  S.Peter)  I  will  not  be 
negligent  to  put  you  alwayes  in  remembrance  of  thefe  things, 
though  ye  know  them,  and  be  eftablimed  in  the  preientttttth. 
And  S.Chryfeftome  faith  excellently  to  this  purpofe  i/Pfcrw  you  H0m.4g.in 
fee  the  abomination  of  deflation,  Mattb.iq.  i$t  that  is,  When  Mati^.Tom.* 
you  fee  wicked  here  fie  which  u  the  band  of  Antic  hi fi  ftar.din  the. 
holy  places  of  the  Church ;  let  tham  betake  themjelvet  to  the 
mountaines,  that  u9  to  the  Scriptures;  the  Mount  aims  are  the 
•svrifivgs  of  the  iposlls  and  Prophets.  And  why  to  the  Scrip- 
tures ?  Secwfe  in  that  time  from  which  hi refte  hath  overcome 
thofe  Churches,  there  can  be  no  other  froofe  of  trnt.  Chrisliani^ 
V* nor  *ny  other  refuge  of  Chrif}  tans  y  defrous  to  k*ow  the  truth 
of  faith ■}  fave  onely  the  divine  Scriptures,    ' 

4.  This  will  maintaine  Chrift  the  Prince  of  peace,  If*.  9. 6. 
The  foundation  of  the  Church,  1  Pet.  2.4.  The  Angell  of 
Gcds  prefence,?/*.^  9.  And  ofthe  covejwnt,  MaL  3.1  .The 
confolation  and  glory  of  Ifrael,  the  lalvation  of  God  *  the  an- 
nointed  ofthe  Lord,  and  the  light  of  the  Gentiles,  Luke  2.23. 
%6. 20,31.  The  branch  of  the  Lord,  I  fa  1 1*  I.  And  of  righ- 
teouficfTty  Wr%  33.15.  The  fbuk-refrefhing,  and  Itrongly  in- 
framing  rocke,  1  Cor,  10. 4.  the  Head  and  Captaine  of  the 
Church,  Rev.  1 2.7.  The  Lord  of  life  and  glory*  Ails  3. 15. 
The  King  immortall/i  Tim.i9lj.  The  worlds  judge,  iTim. 
4.1.  The  Sonne  of  God,  M*t.$.ij*  AndGodhimfelfe. 

AgainiT-Antichrift  that  king  of  pride,  Rev  9.  u .  who  exalts 
himielre  above  all  that  is  called  God,  as  Kings,  Emperours, 
and  Angels,  2  Theft  i.  That  man  of  finne  and  fbnne  of  perdki* 
on,  2  Theft.  That  flic  and  fubtill  adverfary  of  ChrihVin 
fheepes  clothing,  Matth.  7. 15.  having  homes  likeaLambe, 
fpeaking  like  a  Dragon,  Rev  a  3 .1 1 .  Holding  a  cup  outward- 
ly glittering  full  of  abominations,  Sev.xy.^  Speaking  lies  ia 
hypocrifie,  i  Tim.  4. 1 .  Calling  hirnfelfefervantof  fervants, 
yet  claiming  fuperiority  a;id  fovcraignty  overall  Kings  and 

Emperours,  * 


lie  TbeChrtftunCwfltf.  Chap. 7; 

Emperotirs.  Being  Chrifts  vicar  by  profeflion;  bat  his  kiltera 
crucifier,  murtherer^nd  robber  by  praftice. 

5.  This  will  defend  God,  the  holy  O  ie  of  Ifrael,  Pfat.-jrl 
2  1.  The  mighty  God  of  Iacob,  wonderful  I  in  counfell,  excel- 
lent  m  works,  and  fmhflil]/7)<?».\  7.9, 10.  The  Ruler  of  the 
wholeearth,^*,^.4  14.  and  world,  Mic.^.w.  Theliving 
God,  Z>w.$.a6\  The  revealer  of  fecrets ,  the  Lord  God  of 
thefpiritsof  all  fledi,  Nam,  17.  \6.  The  ftrong  Redeemer, 
/^r.50.54.  The  great  and  mighty,  whofename  istheLord, 
^.32  18.  The  living  and  true  God,  1  The/.  1.9.  And  his 
workes  which  are  great,  P/i/.i  01. a.  and  wonderfully  Pfi*L%, 

Againft  man,  who  although  heels  vaine,  yea  vanity,  yet 
lefle  than  vanity,  dares  belch,  and  breathe  out  blafphemies  a- 
gainft  the  Lord ;  likethofc,  MaI.t,.  whofemouthes  wereo- 
pen  againft  the  Lord,  to  grieve,  vex,  and  wearie  him,  Verfc 
*  ?.fpeaking  with  a  ft  At  neck,  proudly,  prefumptuoufly,  v\- 
folently,  and  blafpheoioufl/.  Excufing  and  juttifying  the 
fame  fawcy  and  finfull  ipeeches,  Ver.  1  3 .  Charging  God  with 
injuftice  in  ncglecling  the  righteous,  and  caring  for  the  wic- 
ked, Vcrf.  r^i?,  Pleading  merit,  boaftiug  of  their  owne 
righteoufhefTe,Verf.i4  Grudging,  murmuring,  and  com- 
plaining of  Gods  dealing  with  them,  VerG  14.  Counting 
them  blefled,  whom  God  judgcth  accurfed :  like  hard-hear- 
ted 7*  W**^  Sxod.  5.2.  JVho  is  the  Lord>  I  know  not9  Jwii 
not)  &c. 

Like  railing /fa£/&4J^6,reproching,  blafpheming,  and  ex- 
alting their  voice  againft  the  Lord, //4. 3 7.  a  ?. 

Likethofc  profane  Bel  ials,  lot  21.15.  faying,  What  istht 
Almighty  that  we  fhonU  ferve  him}  and  what  profit  [houldrve 
b*V*  if  we  pr*j  unto  him  I 

Like'  thofe  corrupt  cavillers,who  dare  difpute  againft  Godt 
}uft  and  righteous  proceedings,  ffaw.i  i.sb, 

Like  that  ieven-headed  and  ten-horned  beaft,  which  fpeaks 
great  things  and  blafphemies,  £<?z>.  1 3  ?. 

Or  any  other  wayes  fpeajce  againft  the  God  of  heaven,  ei- 
ther detracting  from  God  that  which  of  due  belongs  unto 

him; 


-  S  rc  t.7.  Tbe  chriftian  Conflict.  1 1  r 

•him  :  afcfibingthat  to  him  vvbich  befeemcs  him  i:ot :  ora- 
ny  waves  abufing  his  facred  names  in  their  chafing,  cholcrick, 
fuming  diftempers,0r  the  like. 

i.  Further;  this  keene  and  piercing  fword  will  cut,  and 
kill  the  power  and  puifianceoffinnc;.  that  deceitfull  deluder 
and  maliciousmurtherer  of  mankind,  R$m.\  1.7.  Sin  -—decei- 
ved—flew  me  :  that  rerrible  tormenting  tyrant  rigorouGy  re» 
-quitingthe  fealty  and  fidelity  of  its  moft  faithfullfbllowers 
and  dutifull  obfervants  with  death  and  damnation,  Rom .6.7  3 . 
.  Thar  power  full  and  forcible  body  of  death,  which  makes  even 
the  beft  men  cry  out,  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  .who  (ball  de/i~ 
verm*9R*m.j.t/\. 

WitnefTeD4z^pra&ice,  hiding  the  Word  in  his  heart, 
that  he  might  not  finne,P/4/.  1 1 9.1 1 . 
Witnefle  S.PauIs  exhortation  to  heare  the  Word  of  God  to 

,day,leaft  any  of  us  be  hardened,  through  the  deceiptfiilnefle  of 
finne,  Heb^  7,13. 

a.  This  warlike  weapon  will  refift  and  repell  the  implaca- 
ble importunity  of  Satan  that  fubtill  Serpent,  ^4/.  4  4. 7.10. 
J  f eh. 2.14*  .- 

3.  This  rod  of  Gods  mouth,  and  breath  of  hi6  tips  \yill 
countermine  and  confound,  batter  and  beat  downe  the  DiveJs 

fJdngdome,  7/4.1 1.4.  iThefi*&, 

i     4.  This  piercing  power-full  axe  is  (tarpe^nd  ferviceable  to 

•vexeandJcill,  to,oppugnc  and  overthrow7  the  tyranny  of  the 

ikfh,  Lttkr^.g. 

5.  This  will  repuife  and  bring  to  ruine,  confront  and  con- 

-qoerthc  deluding  deceipts,  bewirching  baits,  inchanting  in- 

ticements,  inveigling  infnarements,  as  alfo  the  railings,  re- 

.proches,  ptrplexitiesjperiecutions,  andthebittereft  blaftsof 

the  canning  and  cruell  world ;  alluring  us 
Thar  whofocver  will  be  a  friend  of  the  world,  is  the  enemy 

of  God,  /4W.4-4. 
That  if  any  man  love  the  world,the  love  of  the  Father  is  not 

iin  him,  1/06,2.1  j. 

That  the yyoild  iycrucified to  the  Saints ,  they  toit ,  g*L 

^.14. 

And 


ill  TheChriJlUnConflia.  Chkv.j. 

And  as  for  the  fufferings  of  this  preferit  world,  thatthey 
are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  that  foafl  be 
revealed  in  us,  Rom&  i 8. 

6.  This  will  fruftrate  and  enfeeble  mens  inventions ,  ma* 
king  the  man  of  God  wiler  than  his  enemies,  Pfel.  1 19.98. 
So  that  they  are  notabletorefift  the  wifdome  and  fpiritby 
which  he  fpeaks,  AUs  6.10. 

1.  For  this is  the  hand  and  armc  of  the  omnipotent  leh  o- 

Vab,//#f.49.2n^.T32, 

2.  This  isthe  rod  of  his  power,  PfdtA  10.2.  faftaining  usa- 
gainft  the  Divels  violence,  anH  forcing  him  to  flee. 

5.  This  is  his  rod  and  ftaife,  P/*/.  23*  4.  Thy  r*d  and  thy 
ft*jfe.  Namely, 

His  cha(ti(ing  rod ,  wherewith  he  doth  correcl,  and  rule 
his  children  as  a  Father ,or  a  School  e-mafter  his  fchollers. 

His  revenging  rod  of  iron,  to  bruife  and  breake  in  pceces, 
killand'deftroy  the  ftubborne  and  rebellious. 

4.  This  is  his  ftaffeto  (hield,  fafeguard,  and  defend  his 
fheepe  and  fcrvants  ;  to  keepe  and  beare  off  the  bitter 
blowes  and  baffetings  of  their  fpirituall  enemies,  dogs,  and 
Divels:  And  to  fapport  and  uphold  their  weakc  foulesancf 
hearts. 

?.  This  is  his  axe,  Luke  3.  9.  Which  pierceth,  pareth, 
killeth ,  and  cutteth  downe  men  of  Belial  like  rotten  and 
barren  trees ,  and  tornaenteth  them  before  their  time,  R+- 
vtUtion  11.  10.  Which  fitteth  and  fafhiorieth  every  (tone 
in  the  (pirituall  building  for  his  proper  place;  Which  cut- 
teth ,  and  pareth  off  the  corruption  of  the  foule  and  con- 
fcience. 

6.  This  is  a  hammer,  breaking  the  rockes  in  peeces,  Jerl 
23 .  29.  namely,  the  ftony  hardnefTe  of  our  hearts,  and  bruiting 
them  as  it  were  to  powder,  that  they  may  become  loft,  hum- 
ble, and  contrite. 

7.  This  is  fire,  Ter%i  $  .20.  To  purge  outthe  filthy  droflfe  of 
mans  corrupt  nature;  To  heat  his  cold  heart  with  love  and 
seale:  To  thaw  his  frozen  affc&ions:  To  guide  and  enlighten 
his  dark  and  blind  mind :  to  war  me  and  comfort  his  farrow- 

foil 


5*  c  t  .7.  Tie  Cbttpan  Cdriflilt.  Up 

foil  fpirit:  to  confoHdate  and  bind  bis  broken  hearth 

8.  This  is  a  (haft  and  arrow  in  the  heart  of  the  K  jngi,  that  is* 
Chrifls  enemies,  flying  and  going  fwiftly,  wounding  and  kil- 
ling afarre  off. 

9.  This  is  light  to  drive  away  darknefTe,to  cleanfe  the  mind, 
nnderftanding,and  judgement,  %  Pet.i .  1 9. 

1  a.  This  is  a  facrificing  knife,to  cut  the  throat  of  Gnnes  and 
corruptions,  Row.  1 5 . 1 6. 

1 .  What  and  if  thofe  barbarous  and  bloudy  foule-murde- 
rers,  thole  horrible  and  hideous  homicides  the  Papiftsdealc 
impioufly  and  ur.juflly  with  their  people,depriving  them(Phi- 
liftine-likc,  1  ^*w.  1 3. 19.)  of  this  weapon  wherewith  they 
fiiould  defend  themfelves,  and  offend  their  caemies ;  robbing 
them  of  this  forcibly  prevailing,  {harpe,  two-edged  fword, 
and  giving  them  in  lieu  thereof  a  weake  and  woodden  fword 
of  mens  traditions,  and  humane  inventions,  and  the  pawltrie 
painted  leaden  weapons  of  unholy  water ,  dirty  reliques , 
graines,  and  agnw  Dei  wholly  unavailable:  Confpiring  with 
SieDivellhimfelfe  to  hinder  people  of  fafety  and  falvatron; 
and  to  erode  and  contradict  the  Lord  himfclfc  ?  For  lie  faith, 
T*ke  the  fword  of  the  Spirit  2  they  fay,  no. m 

For  the  Scriptures  are  dinger  one.  True,  to  difcover  and  dif-  ObjeB.  H 
fipate  the  maffie  mifts  of  the  damnable  darkneffe  ofPopifh  pe-  tAnfw. 
fliferous  fuperftitions. 

For H*rctiq*es ADedge Script *rt.  Tnie, for themfelvesjand  objcS.zl 
other  heretiques  allcdge  the  letter  of  the  Scripture,yet  mifle  of  jittfw*  \% 
the  Word  of  God,  becaufe  ofthe  fenfe  and  meaning. 

But  what  and  if  the  Word  of  God  is  many  and  diverfc 
wayes  abufed,being  miftaken  malicioufly ;  mifalledged  .wit- 
tingly by  purpofely  omitting,or  adding  (bmething  to  alter  the 
ienfe  and  meaning,or  overthrow  the  drift  and  purpofe  ofthe 
Holy  Ghoft :  or  mifapplied  purpofely,  namely,  to  corrupt  the 
mind  or  heart,  to  prove  untruth  or  errour,  to  perfwade  to  fin, 
or  to  fome  other  evill  end  or  ufe :  (hall  the  abufe  of  Scripture 
take  away  the  right  ufe  thereof  ?  God  forbid.  We  all  ufe  fire; 
though  fbmcjnalicioufly,  others  negligently  waft  therewith, 
and  conlumc  many  excellent  and  dcfireable  things.  We  may 

I  lawfully 


lawfully  and  comfortably  enjoy  our  meats  and  drinks,  though 
gluttons  and  drunkards  finfully  and  (hamefnlly  mifufe  them. 
Thehoneft  traveller  doth  fo  much  the  more  fence  and  furnifti 
himfelfe  with  a  fword,  becaufe  thee  ve  sand  robbers  doe  the 
fame.  The  abufing  of  Gods  ordinances  by  lewd  and  wicked 
men  fhould  not  occafion  the  pious  and  godly  man  torefufe 
them, diflike,  or  Iefie  to  love  them.  And  Chrift:  Iefus  alledg- 
ed  Scripture,  although  the  Divell  did  the  fame. 

a.  What  though  many  fleering  Ifhmatis  fcorne  and  fcoflfe  at 
that  knowledge  which  others  have  in  Gods  Word,  and  at 
thofe  who  caric  the  Scripture  to  the  Church,  to  get  and  in- 
crea(e  the  fame;  terming  them  in  reproach  Bible-bearers. 

3.  What  though  fome  through  covetoufterTe  will  not  help 
forward:fome  through  worldlines  will  not  attend  unto:fome 
through  negligence  will  not  frequent:  fome  through  blindnes 
will  notefkem  the  continual  1  and  ordinary,  the  conftantand 
conlcionable  preaching  of  the  Word;  and  fo  negle&ingto 
gird  die  i  word  about  them -, are  guilty  of  their  owne  dcftructi- 
on :  adventuring  to  go  naked  and  weaponleffe  without  this 
ivvord,amidfl  fo  many  and  fuch  violent  enemies. 
Yet  let  us  who  are  the  fouldiers  of  Chrift  Iefus, 
I .  Not  oxely  have  Bibles  to  lie  in  our  houfcs,and  to  carie  to 
the  Church  :  For,  what  good  doth  a  fword  hanging  on  the 
wals  to  the-fouldier  in  the  field  ?- 

•2,Nct  ontlj  read  the  Scriptures,regardleiTeof  thefenfe:For 
what  advantageth  a  fword,  if  we  cannot  unfheath  it  out  of  the 
Scabbard  ? 

j.  Not  onely  fearch  for  rhe  true  fenfe  of facred  writ  to  main- 
taine  difcourie,confute  gaine-fayers,  to  determine  differences, 
not  caring  to  have  fin  thereby  mortified,  and  our  i elves  edified 
in  the  faith:  for  what  will  itavaileaiouldiertohavc  a  iword 
onely  to  fl our ifh? 


•   Bat  alfo. 

1 .  Let  us  Minifters,who  are,or  ought  to  be  the  chariots  and 
horfemen  of  Ifrael  with  AfoHos^ABs  1 8. 24'.  be  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures :  that  fo  we  may  not  onely  teach  found  and  laving 
doclrinc,inftrucl:,and  encourage  in  good  manners :  But  alfo 

refute 


S  b  c  t  .jl  The  CfoijlUn  finflitt.  r  1 J 

refute  and  refell  errours  and  herefies,  kill,  and  cut  do  wne  fin 
and  S-tan;  yea  deprefle  and  deftroy  whatfoevcr  makes  againft 
Chrift,  or  his  glorious  Gofpell. 

a.  Letusalldearely-beloved,  fellow- Chriftian  fouldiers, 
defire,  and  delight  in  no  book  fo  much  as  in  Gods  Word,  let 
us  run  and  refortduly  and  daily  to  the  abfolute  armory  of  the 
Scripture,  tofurnifhour  felves  thence  againft  all  our  enemies 
execrable  enterpriles,  and  excurfions. 

1.  Let  us  be  well  acquainted  with,  and  verftin  the  Scrip- 
ture, that  fo  we  may  have  it  in  continuall  readinefle  againft 
the  exafperate  aflanlts  of  Satan. 

2.  Let  us  be  able  to  judge  and  difcerne,  as  of  the  Divels  ter- 
rible temptations ,  "fo  of  the  feverall  fom  of  remedies  or  re* 
plies  out  of  Gods  Word. 

•  3.  Let  us  be  apt  and  able  to  convict  and  convince  any,yea  all 
frivolous  or  furious  gainfaying  contradi&ors,as  well  by  unde- 
niable tefti monies,  as  by  venerable  examples. 

4.  Let  as  fortific  and  fiirnifli  our  felves  fo  with  the  Word 
of  God, 

1.  That  our  darke  and  blinded  underftandings  may  be  in- 
lightened  with  this  light  to  onr  kct ,  and  lanthorne  to  our 
f>aths,  P/*/,  1 1 9.1 05 .  We  taking  heed  to  it,  as  to  a  light  that 
{hineth  in  a  dark  place,untill  the  day  dawn  ,and  the  day-ftarrc 
arife  in  our  hearts,  2  *Pft.  1.19*  and  delighted  in  the  faving 
knowledge  therof  more  than  in  gold,  yea  than  in  fine  gold,  Pf. 
1 19. 1 27.morc  than  in  hony  and  the  hony-combe,P/*/.  1 9. 1  ©„ 

2.  That  ourwandringand  erroneous  judgements  maybe 
fetled  and  cftablifhed  in  the  true  way  how  to  attaine  eternal! 
falvation  by  this  Word  of  truth,  Ub.i  7.1 7. CV.1.5. 

j.  That  our  confeiencesm  ifled  may  be  convinced;  erring 
may  be  conducted ;  drooping  may  be  comforted ;  and  tor- 
menting may  be  quieted  thereby. 

4  That  our  ftubborn  wils  and  rebellious  affections  exalting 
tbemfelvcs  againft  the  knowledge  of  God ,  and  obedience  of 
Chrift,  may  be  fubdued,  pulled  downe,  and  brought  into  fub- 
jeetion  thereto,  2  C&r.i  0.5. 

5.  That  our  cold,  frozen,  lufce-warme,  and  dead  hearts 

I  a  may 


H6v  TbechrtjttAnwnpia.         ^hap.7# 

maybe  Warmed,  heated,inflamed,  and  enlightened  with,  and 
made  infetiable  thereof 

6.  That  our  minds  may  be  fatisfied,  and  content  therewith 
more  than  withtreafure,  Pf*l  I 1  p.  97.  more  than  with  thou- 
sands of  gold  and  filver,  Ver.72. 

7.  Thatour  precious  Faith,  2  Tet.  1  1.  being  much  more 
precious  than  gold,  1  Pet.  1 .7.  may  be  quickened  and  nouriGi- 
edjftrengthenedandincreafed,!  Pet.i.i*  this  oft  bringingto 
our  remembrance  Gods  precious  promifes,and  frequently  re- 
newing the  offrr  of  them. 

8.  That  our  loole  and  licentious lives^wandring out ofthe 
way  of  Gods  commandements,  maybe  reformed,,  rectified, 
and  amended,  P/aI.  i  j  p.9. 

9.  Andthatwemaybeinabled  to  vanquifh  and  overcome 
temptations,  (lengthening  our  felves  againft  (inne  by  hiding 
this  W ord.in  our  hearts,  PfaL  1 1 9. 1 1,  and  overcomming  the 
wicked  one  by  this-  Word  abiding  in  us,  5  lob. 2 a  4. 

1.  This  being  a  warlike  rod  and  ftanv,  Pfal.%  3  q.LMica  6. 
9.7  14.  inrcgard  ofitsfharpneiTe,ftrengcb,ftreightne{Te,aBd 
warlike  uje.  To  ftay  and  fupport  us  againft  the  force  and  vio- 
lence of  the  Divell.  To  beat,buftet,and  put  to  flight  Satan.  To 
correct  and  cure  our  foules  being  delinquent. 

2.  This  being  a  fliarpe  and  piercing,  keen  and  cutting  axe, 
Lukf  3.9.  To  fie  and  fafhion (tones  for  the  Lords  building :  to 
vexe,kill,  and  torment  gaine-fayers :  to  pare  and  cut  eff  the 
corruption  of  the  foule  and  conlcience. 

2*  This  being  the  fword  of  the  Spirit,whereby  the  wicked 
are  fubdued,\vhereby  our  felves  are  defendedsand  Satan  put  to 
flight. 
&£?*#;  ^ay  not>  beloved  brethren,  you  are  not  Scbollers,'  not 

Anfal  Preachers  •  therefore  you  will  not  gird  this  fword  about  you,; 

nor  weare  this  weapon  upon  you :  For,  although  you  are  not 
learned  Lawyers,  yet  will  you  with  all  fedulity  and  diligence 
get  and  gather  lufficient  skill  to  compafle  and  keep  your  lands, 
fivings,and  inheritance. 

Although  you  are  not  profelTed  fencers,captaines,  or  chiefe 
commanders,  yet  will  you  guard  and  fortifie  your  fclves  with 

f words 


Sztr.fi  The  ChriflUn  Conflift.  try 

fwordsof  proofe,  to  fafeguard,  and  preferve  your  lives  and 
goods  from  theeves  and  murderers.  And  therefore  althongh 
you  are  not  Preachers  by  profeflion ;  yet  fee  that  you  get  fuf- 
ficient  skill  in  the  Word  of  God,that  may  not oncly  deck  and 
garnifli,  but  alfo  defend  and  guard  y  our  pcerekfle  andpreci- 
«usfoules. 

This  being  an  excellent  meanes  to  purge  and  purifie  >        nM$tive  ll 

I .  Religion , of errors,herefies,  prophaneflfeand  hypocrifie. 

a.  Zeale,  of  ignorance,paflion,  and  felfe- love :  tempering 
it  with  charity  and  difcretionj  caufing  it  not  to  feeke  its  ownef 
but  Gods  glory. 

3.  ProfefTion  ofChriO,and  Chriftianity,of  rigbteoufnes,and 
boIines,wbich  is  a  necenVy  fruit  of  faith/P/j  16.  icRom.  10. 
9,  to.  7/^.44.5.3  thing  not  to  be  afhamedof,  Rem*i.  16.  ten- 
ding to  Gods  glory,  Mm.  5. 16.  1  P*r.a.  13. Caufing  others  to 
give  thanks  for  us  to  God,2  CV.o.i  1 ,1 2.  And  fome  to  tread 
in  the  lame  fteps,  1  Tbe(f.  1. 6,7^  Havingarichpromifetobc 
owned  and  acknowledged  in  the  number  of  Gods  eled  before 
fais  Father  which  is  in  heaven,  Mat.x  ©.3  2. 

1.  Offaint-heartedpufillanimity;  this  afluring  us  of  the 
truth  of thofe  cutting  condemnations,  AUr&.s  8.  Of  hi  00 /had 
~-*fh*mid.  LHkff.i6  Rev+11.8.  TbefearefHli&c, 

a.  Of  vicious  prophaneneffe,  this  certifying  all  forgetters 
ofGod,and  contemners  of  Gods  worftup,  who  proftfcthat 
they  know  God,  but  in  workes  deny  him,  being  abominable, 
difobedient,  and  to  every  good  worke  reprobate,  Tit.  1 . 1 6\ 
Who  have  a  forme  of  godiinefle,butdeny  the  power  thereof 
a  Tim,  3. 5.  And  who  take  Gods  covenant  in  their  mouthes, 
yet  hatingto  be  reformed  ;  that  God  will  reprove  them  ;  fee 
thefe  things  in  order  before  their  eyes ;  teare  them  in  peeces, 
and  none  (hall  deliver  them,  Pf*l.  50. 17,22. 

a,  Ofvaine-gloriousPbarifaiime,that  forbidden  fruit,  g*i. 
5.26.  that  fruitlefle  feme,  and  brittle  blazing  bubble,  which 
Chrift,  M.8. 5  ©.54.  and  the  heft  Chriftians  diiefteemed,  A8t 
id  2 j.  14  i4./?«v.i9Jio.  and  for  which  vaine-glorious  per- 
fons  have  feverely  fmarted;  W  itneffe  N  ebHch*&nexz,*r  turned 
into  a  bcaft,  D4*.q. 30, 3  1 ,  and  Htred  buried  in  a  moment  in 

1 3  d* 


Xi  o  ybeLnrtjtiani.ofijiic?.  vhap./. 

the  contemptible  intrals  of  bafe  vcrmine,  48s  I  a.  21 .  This  af- 
fcring  us,  that  we  have  nothing  in  us  whereofta glory,.  1  C*r+ 
4.7.  hh\  15.5.  That  boafttng  braggardslofe  their  reward  with 
God,A/4f.6.r,2.  whereas  fecrecie  and  (incerity  procure  ac- 
ceptance with  God,  and  open  reward,  Verf.4. 

4,  Weldoing,  or  the  doing  ofgoodworkes  of  all  forts,  to 
"God  ..and  man,even  the  whole  practice  of  godlkefle,  particu- 
larly,Uberal  diftributing,and  mercifull  communicating  to  nee- 
dy Chriftians  and  painefull  Preachers  of  wearifomnefle,name- 
lyjofcarclefnetfe^ackneflcjand  fainting, Cjd .6.9.  This  Word 
of  truth  telling  us,that/>»  duefeafon  ive(b4lireA?ifwe  faint  not \ 
5.  And  ii'.fferingof  afflictions  (of  which  we  muft  all  look 
to  partake ,  fince  the  way  to  falvatipn  is  through  fuffering  y 
the  way  to  pleafure  is  through  paine,  the  way  tohappinefle  is 
through  mifery  ,the  way  to  comfort  is  through  griefe,  the  way 
to  gaine  is  through  loiTe,  the  way  to  honour  is  through  di&o- 
nour,  the  way  to  exaltation  is  through  humiliation,  the  way 
to  life  is  through  death;or  in  a  Word,  the  way  to  the  crown 
is  the  crone,  ABt  i4.i2.)ofiiiipatience,grudging,fearfulne{rc 
and  fcinting.This  perfwading  us, 

1 .  That  though  we  are  in  danger  and  diftreffe,  yet  we  have 
a  Father  omnipotent,  almighty,  able  torefcue  and  deliver  us. 
Though- we  are  in  mifery,  our  Father  is  a  God  of  mercies,and 
of  all  comforts,  who  doth  not  only  comfort  each  of  his  faithful 
'-■afrli&ed  children  jbut  alfo  in  each  of  their  troubles  and  afflicti- 
ons, 2  {or.  i  .2, 5.  fo.  1 4. 1 7, 1 8.  Yea  giving  the  greateft  courage 
to  the  greateft  conflict,  the  greateft  comfort  to  the  greateft 
^rofle..  So  that  when  Uflna  is  to  encounter  with  thofe  many 
magnanimous  gy ants,  and  gy ant-like  nations,an  Angell  of  the 
Xord  appeared  to  him  with  his  fword  drawne  in  hishand,  as  a 
Captaine  of  the  hoft  of  the  Lord9rof.$..%  3, 14.  when  Eiifia  and . 
his  fervacit  were  befieged  in  Dathanjht  mountainewas  full  of 
horfes  &  chariots  of  fire  round  about  Eli/ha^  Kin.  6. 1 6.  when 
the  Church  was  in  the  bottome ,  Chrift  Icfus  is  prefent  with 
them,not  only  as  an  idle  fpeclator,or  looker  on;but  as  a  valiant, 
couragious,and  powerfull  Captaine  prepared  to  revenge  the 
prongs  doae  to  his  Church,^  ,i  ,8 .  When  Chrift  was  in  hit 

agony, 


Sec  T.7.  The  Cbuftun  Ctnjlift.  1  r  9 

agony,  there  appeared  an  Angell  from  heaven  ftrengthening 
him,  L*k.  11.43. When  S./W  was  in  that  dreadfull  danger  on 
the  deep,  that  all  hope  that  they  ftiould  be  faved  was  taken  a- 
way,  the  Angell  of  the  Lord  ftood  by  him,  faying,  fear*  not 
Pa*/,  God  hath  given  thee  all  that  faile  with  thee,  ^#.27. 20, 
a  5, H' anc^  when  in  Afia  he  waspreifed  out  of  meafure,  above 
ftrcngth,  infomuch  thatbedefpaired  evenoflife,  the  Lorddid 
then  deliver  him  from  fb  great  a  death,  2  CV.i  .8,9. 

2.  That  the  faflerings  of  the  faithfull  are  counted  and  called 
Cbrifts  Offerings,  2  Cer.  1 . 5 .  not  onel y  becaufe  they  (vffcr  for 
feis  fake,caufe,tTuth,and  Gofpcl,P£*/.  1 .  29. 1  Pet. 4.1 3  ,but  alio 
becaufe  ChriftfufFerethinthem,  ^9.4.  ^**.  25.40.  And 
therefore  as  the  condition  of  pedecutours  of  the  Saints  is  \vo- 
fiill,  becaufe  they  perfecutc  Chrift  in  Chriltians :  fo,  great  is 
the  credit  and  comfort  of  the  Saints,  fuffcring  in  fuch  a  caufea 
where  Chxift  leius  the  Sonne  of  God  doth  fuffer  with  them. 

5.  That  the  fuffsrings  and  aflfli&ions  of  Gods  people  arc 
profitable  and  commodious : 

1 .  To  themfelves,  God  chaftifing  them  to  win  them  to  re- 
pentance: to  try  them  whether  they  will  beare  his  loving  cor- 
rec*lion,and  indure  his  fervke  unto bloud  lor  his  fake,  (/*».2  2 , 
i,a.  To  make  them  triumpri  over  Satan  in  their  obedience,  Jo£ 
I .  Faith,  the  more  it  is  fifted  the  cleaner  it  is9  the  more  it  is  cut, 
the  more  it  groweth ;  the  more  it  is  troden ,  the  thicker  it 
comes  up.  To  feparate  them  from  the  wicked ;  therefore  they 
are  called  a  fan,  a  flayle,  and  fire  to  winnow,(ift,and  fever:  to 
confbrmethem  to  Chrift,andtodrawthcmnearctohimfelfe.  R^-8'**- 

a.  To  others,  AB  8.4.  tfir.i.6.  SothatallconftantChri-  z  lims*" 
ilians  which  have  gone  before  us  in.  fuffcring afflictions,  they 
are  witneffes  to  u*,  and  give  teftimony  to  Gods  Word,  that  it 
is  true,and  that  his  promifes  are  faithfull,#*£.  1  a.  1. They  com* 
ibrtjConfirm,  and  encourage  us  to  be  conftant  in  the  profeffion 
,pf  the  truth;  we  being  acquainted  with  their  examples ,  may 
jherby  receive,  as  from  a  cloud,  refrefhingsfor  the  beat  of  per- 
fecutions, fW.  1 2.1 .  there  being  no  tru]l,trouble,afflidion,or 
petfecution  fo  great,bu:  the  Scripture  aff  )rdeth  fome  example 
«XQthcr,asa  cloud  to  qualifie  and  cook  the  (apie.  And  therfore 

I  4  wc 


we  fhewour  felves  white-livered,  and  faint-  hearted  fouldier* 
if  we  dare  not  follow  but  flee  away,  orftandat  a  (ray  *  fince 
the  ice  isbroken,and  the  way  troden  by  others. 

4,  This  callirig  upon  usto  looke  upon  oar  arch-guide  Chrift 
leftis  (not  his  picture ,  but  bis  pracTrfe  or  example,  his  precept 
or  word,his  fpirit,promife,and  providence,  who  is  notoneiy 
our  Commander,but  Coadjutour:Our  patterne,butalfo  part- 
ner: our  forerunner,,  but  alfo  finisher)  fT«£jf).-ti  who  for 
the  ;oy  that  was  fet  before  him  endured  the  CrofTe,  defpifed 
the  fliame,and  endured  fuch  contradictions  of  finners  againft 
himfelf.  Sorntimes  without  reply ing,fomtimes  without  rebu- 
king,alwaies  without  revenging, or  refitting,  without  curfing 
jpr  blafpheming,without  fainting  or  falling  away* 

This  Word  of  God  calls  upon  us  to  looke  upon  Chrift,  to 
f  afkn  our  eyes  continually  upon  him,  that  we  remernbring  hit 
doclrine,doings,and  death  may  not  fin,nor  feare,nor  faint,nor 
fall  away  in  troubles.  It  being  a  great  incouragement  to  foul- 
dierstofee  and  behold  their  Captaine  to  march  valiantly  be- 
fore them  :  to  paflengcrs  over  the  fea  to4iavc  a  good  Pilots 
travellers  by  land  to  have  a  good  guide.    Such  a  one,  nay  farre 
more  excellent  is  Chrift  to  Chriftians  i  for  as  the  exam- 
ples of  the  godly  in  former  ages  have  great  force  to  incou- 
luge  us  which  come  after  tobearc  the  CrofTe  patiently,and 
to  abide  couftantly.    So  Chrifts  example  hath  much  more 
force  then  all  others  if  all  were  one  :  for  that  hee  is  not 
onely  fet  forth  as  apatterne  to  follow,  as  amarke  to  fhoote 
at,  but  alfo  as  the  beginner,  furthercr,    and  finifher  of  our 
faun,  our  fight,  and  cembate. ..  The  meditation  of  whofe-pa- 
.  tience,  and  perfeverance  under  the  crofle  armethus  to  com- 
fort and  confirme  us  againft  Apoftafic,  feare,  fainting,aiid  fal» 
ling  a  way." 

Mttm  2*  This  being  a  curing  corrofive  to  heale  the  common  corrup- 

tion in  mans  naturej  whereby  Gods  judgements  executed  up* 
on  ©thers  (as  no  w  extant,  and  extended  unto  the  pooire  by 
fcarfity  and  famine.) 

1.  Are  fondly  miftaken  ;  namely ,when  they  are  thought 
^©beforOnonely  j  Wherrthey.ate  thought  to  befell  impenf- 

tent 


icih  miners  unciy  ;  w  ucu  ujcy  arcmongntto  DC  ror  great  ana 

grievous  fins  onely;  When  they  are  thought  to  bee  greater 
then  the  cffcnces,or  fins  punifried. 

2.  Or  fooliffily  ipifappljed  ;  namely,  When  they  areap- 
plyedonely  to  the  candours,  or  parties  punifhed ;  When 
they  are  chiefly  applied  to  others,  and  not  to  our  felves  • 
When  others  are  thereby  condemned  for  their  outward 
condition ,  whereas  they  fhould  rather  bee  commenced 
for  their  carriage  ;  When  thereby  wee  our  felves  arc 
juftified. 

3.  Or  wickedly  abufed;  namely,  When  they  are  not 
at  all  obferved, /yd/aw  10.?.  When  they  are  lightly  regar- 
ded, Exodns  8.  p,'io.  When  they  are  fbonc  forgotten, 
Pfdlme  106  1 3,  2r,ia.  Jude  5.  When  men  arc  not  hum- 
bled at  the  fight  of  them,  Dan.  5,  22.  When  they  doc  not 
glorifie  God  for  them,  D**.?.t3.  Wecbeing  enabled  by 
this  rightly  to.ufcthem,  which  wee  doe,  When  wee 
markeand  obferve  them,  Pf*lme^6.%9*  When  wee  me- 
ditate  upon  them,  7y*/*<?  in.  2.  When  wee  continually 
rememberthem ;  When  we  reverently  regard  them;  When 
wee  are  humbled  \Lx,  the  fight  of  them,  and  when  we  glori- 
fie God  for  them. 

2 .  This  being  availeable  to  difcerneand  defrroy  Thchard* 
ning  deceitfallnefle  offin,f&£.3.rg.  The  pcftiferous  poyfos 
of  errours,  1  Tim,  6.3.  The  wilie  fubtilties  of  Sathan,#*v.a* 
14,  And  the  contagious  corruptions  of  our.hearts. 

4.  This  being  the  two-edged  fword  ofthe_fpirit  to  de- 
fend, juftifie  and  mainjaine  every  good  tbin£,  when  it  is 
oppofed  againft,  and  to  difprove  -and-repcll  every  evill 
thing  to  which  wee  are  tempted.  To  cut  our  felves  with 
repentance,  killing  our  corruptions,  and  kill  the  enemies  of 
6ur  falvatipn, 


Sict; 


Sect.  8. 

Their  urmenr  whoSy  tppljedtethe  f  refent  $ccapon% 
the  pinching  dearth. 

THis,  O  yoii  Chriftian  fouldiours,  is  your  warlike  Chri- 
ftian furniture,  with  this  you  muft  be  fo  armed  and  ap- 
yarelled,  that  with  it  you  muft  wake,  and  fleepe,  eate  and 
drinke,  laugh  and  lament,  reft  and  labour,  live  and  die.  You 
muft  not  onely  make  an  experiment,  and  take  anaflay,  whe- 
ther you  can  goe  with  this ;  but  you  muft  be  fo  expert,  and 
acquainted  with  the  feverall  pieces  of  this  impregnable  ar- 
mour of  God,  and  fo  skillfull  to  ufe  them  at  all  occafions,  and 
fb  readily  fortified  and  furnifhed,  that  your  enemies  may  not 
by  any  fuddainefurprifallfupplantyou,  nor  by  any  extempo- 
rary skirmiftiing  excurfionsrcpulfe  you,norby  any  violent  en- 
counter vanquiQb  you. 

Since  warlike  weapons,  skill,  and  dexterity  to  handle  and 
manage  the  fame  to  divert,  or  vanquifti  the  violent,  andtem- 
peftuous  aflauks  of auftere,  and  a&ive,  fierce  and  formidable 
foes  are  then  of  greateft  value,  and  utility  when  the  enemies 
encounters  are  moft  effe&uall. 

And  finceitis  the  good  will  and  pleafure  of  our  King,  and 
Captaineto  make  an  experiment  and  proofe  of  us  all  by  this 
fcarcity  and  foantne(fe,for  fuch  as  we  are  upon  triall,  fuch  wc; 
areintruth ;  thecombate  differenceth  the  couragious  from 
the eo  wards,t he  furnace  droffe  fromgold,the  touchftone  pure 
mettals  from  counterfet* 

You  rich  men  of  the  world  are  now  tempted  to  defpife  and 
©pprefle  your  poore brethren, lames  2.6.  totreade  upon  the 
poore,?>/ww  j.i  i.  To  fwallow  up  the  needie  of  the  land ,  to 
make  the  poore  of  the  land  to  faile,— making  theEpha  fmall 
and  Shekell  great,  and  falsifying  the  ballances  by  deceit,  to  buy 
the  poore  for  filver,and the  needie  forapaireof  fliooes,  Am. 
84,5,6%  To  (hut  up  bowels  of  companion  and  to  hide  your 
felvcs  from  your  o  wne  flejfb,//5r.  j  8.7* 

Quit 


Sec  tX  The  chrifiian  ConfliEt.  t2j 

Quit  your  felves  therefore  like  men,  furnifli  and  fortifc 
your  felves  with  this,  furniture,,  that  you  bee  not  fbylcd. 
For 

i  •  Whence  is  it  that  many  of  your  ranke  and  quality  Cro- 
codile-like, feemingly  companionate  their  brethrens  diftrefles 
with  alas,  alas  the  prices  of  come  are  too  great,and  yet  cruelly 
gnaw  and  devoure  them  by  enhauncing  the  price  iJ  Surely  the 
want  of  the  girdle  of  truth  occafioneth  men  to  concruciate 
and  con  fume,  when  they  feeme  to^ondole  with,and  compa£ 
fionare  others. 

i.  Whence  is  it  that  many  taking  advantage  of  the  extre- 
mities of  the  times  ufe  their  utmoll  abilities,  and  bend*  their 
forces  by  ingToflx  ig  of  come  to  make  greater  the  price,  that 
they  may  inrich  themfelves  in  the  mines  of  others,  and  fo  ma- 
pifeft  thcmfelves  to  be,  in  the  judgement  of  that  reverend 
man  of  God  Mr.  Terkins,  as  bad  as  the  vileft  rafcals  that  be  in 
the  land,  murderers,  theeves,  curled  Idolaters,  very  Atheifts, 
and  ftarke  rebels  unto.  God?  Surely  from  the  want  of  the 
breaft-platc  of  righteoufnefle. 

Confider  a  fearefull  example  in  a  dearth,8*  in  the  dayes  ef 
Heneri  the  3.  when  many  dyed  with  hunger ;  the  rich  werefo 
moved  with  covetoufneffe,  that  they  would  not  relieve  them, 
amongfl  whom  Walter  Grey  tsfrckbtfkof  of  Torke,  hade  erne 
fiveyeares  old, yet  would  give  none  for  Gedsfafy  ybut  comman- 
dedbi*  tenants  to  take  it,  to  pay  fo  much  new  come,  who  com- 
tftiug  to  tbecorne,faw  in  the  (hemes,  heads  ofwormes,  fir  pent  ss 
dud  toads ,  and  heard  a  voice  out  of  the  mowe,  faying,  lay  no 
bands  on  the  corne  $  for  the  ssfrebbifbop  and  all  that  be  bath  is 
tbedivelsy&c*. 

3 .  Whence  is  it  that  many  becaufe  their  ft'atc  is  not  fuper- 
fluous ,  and  fuperabundant ,  as  formerly  it  hath  bcene, 
grudge,  and  grumble  againft  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,, 
and  his  righteous  dealings  ?  Surely  from  the  not  having  their 
feet  fliod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gofpell  of peace. 

4*  Whence  is  it  that  many,  contrary  to  UMofes  hispiout 
pra&ife,  chu(e~rather  the  p1eafures,and  profits  of  fin  for  a  fea- 
fon^thentofuffcralittleaffiiftion  with  the  people  of  God, 

cftce- 


Stowc:  pag; 
177* 


224  The  Chrifikn  CwfiEi.  Ch  ap  .j. 

efteemirig  thdtrafliietreafurfcsof  Egypt  the  greateft  richest 
Sorely  from  the  want  of  the  flaield  of  faith. 

5.  Whence  is  it  that  many  rich  men  of  this  world  are  not 
rich  in  good  workes,ready  to  diftribute,  willing  to  communi- 
cate ?  Surely  from  the  abfence  of  the  helmet  hope,  which  en- 
ables to  truft  in  the  living  God,  who  giveth  us  richly  all  thingt 
to  enjoy ,to doe good,&c.i  Tm.6.ijyi %\ 

6.  And  whence  is  it  that  many  rich  men  are  mercileffej 
fteeling  their  iron,  and  hardening  their  flinty  adamantine 
hearts  againft  the  grievous  groaning,  and  dolefull  lamentations 
of  diftreffed  men  crying  to  them  for  dae,and  deferved  wages, 
for  which  they  have  laboured,  and  for  neceffary  reliefe,  of 
which  they  (land  in  need,and  fo  become  like  the  prophane  Pa- 
gans, Rom.  1. a  1.  And  fiach  who  have  forfaken  the  feareof 
GoAjok6.i^  Thereby  manifefting  that  thcmfelves  arefuch 
whole  religion  is  vaine,A*w«  1.27.  whofe  prayers  arefruit- 
iefle, Pro  1 1 . r$ .  whofe  love  to  God  is couaterfet,  i  lob. $.\y« 
Whofe  judgement  fliall  be  mercilefle,/***/  2.1 5.  And  whofe 
plagues  (hall  be  dreadfoll,  P/*/.  1  op.  1 6.  Surely  from  the  ab- 
sence of,  or  ability  to  manage  the  (word  of  the  fpirit ;  which 
weapon,  if  well  ufed,  will  kill  and  cut  downc  all  carnall  cor- 
ruptions. Afcertaining  a  man 

Firft,  That  he  may  not  therefore  rob,  and  oppreffe  others^ 
becaufe  fbme  oppreflc  and  wrong  him. 

Secondly, "That  he  may  not  therefore  fell  at  unconfeiona- 
ble,  and  exceflive  rates ,  becaufe  others  doc  fo,  no  more 
(hce  thereby  favouring,*  and  giving  content  tothewicked- 
nefle  of  other  men)  then  he  may  be  drunke  with  drunkards, 
or  ran  into  all  exceffe  of  riot  with  wicked  men. 

Thirdry,Thathe  muft  be  mercifull 

1 .  If  he  will  be  like  unto  God,who  is  the  father  of  mercies^ 

2.  If  he  will  be  truly  religious, Umc$  1.  %7J[*.%%.6.Htfr9 

3.  If  hee  would  have  his  other  performances  prevailing! 

\    4.  Ifhedefiresble(fednefle,Oli4^.y.7. 

~   ~  That 


osctX  The  ChriJtiviCtnflitt.  i*j 

That  therefore  you  may  be  religious  rich  mo%  take  unto 
you  this  whole  armour  of  God ,  that  fo 

i.  You  may  not  love  in  word,  neither  in  tongue,  but  in 
deed  and  truth. 

2.  That  fo  you  may  rot  Taife  your  felves  by  the  mines  of 
others,but  rather  relieve  them. 

3.  Thatfb  you  may  not  mutter  and  repine  at  Goda  dca- 
lingjbut  bleffe  God  for  taking  away. 

4.  That  fo  you  may  choofe  rather  to  fuffer  afflictions,  with 
Gods  people,  then  to  enjoy  the  pleafures  of  fane  for  a 
feafon. 

5.  That  fo  you  may  not  truft  in  uncertaine  richcs,but  in  the 
living  God,doing  good,being  rich  in  good  works,  ready  to  di- 
stribute,^. 

6\  That  fb  you  may  put  on  bowels  of  compaffion,  to 
commiferate  the  diftreffcs  of  others,  and  communicate  to 
their  neceiTitics. 

Give  me  leave  to  acquaint  you  with  an  excellent  pafrage,  I 
lately  read  in  Saint  Chryfoftomey  and  from  his  example  to 
fpeakeunto  you  rich  men  in  behalfe  of  your  poore  brethren. 
His  words  are  thefe  with  which  he  begins  his  Sermon.  /  am  ri-  c. 
fen-up  today  to  execute  an  ambajfage  which  isjufi  Js  one fi%e^  profit  Scrmd*  Kb**? 
table  toy  oh  in  the  behalf e  of  no  other  mem  then  ofthepoore  which  mo/.Tom.  *• 
dwtll in  thuyour  citty ;  They  have  enjoyned  me  thU  labour  y  not 
by  their  lp eechy  nor  by  the  confent  andadvife  of  their  common 
Appointment  r  but  by  their  lamentable^  and  grievous  lookes  : 
for  when  I  haflcningto  thuyonr+ffembly  did  pajfe  through  the 
market  place  and  nerrowftreetsy  1  did  fee  many  lying  in  the  mid* 
die  of  the  two* forked  waies,fome  their  hands  cut  ejffome  blinde, 
fame  full  of  'fores ,&c.  /thought  it  te  be  a  matter  of  extreame 
cruelty^  not  to  declare  thefe  things  to  your  charity ',  efpeciatly 
fince  I  am  compelled  hereunto  by  a)  certaine  opportunity  from 
thofe  things  which  have  btenefpo\en.  It  is  convenient  tofpea\t 
of  almef deeds  ajwaietjjtnce  we  alfo  a/waies  need  mercy  from  the 
Lord.  *But  it  U  now  more  needfuH  in  regard  of  the  great  cold  ; 
for  truly  infummer  the  gent lenes  of  the  time  doth  much  folate  the 
f*ere9  (fee  an  ft  they  ore  without  dengtr9  although  the]  go  naked 0 

whew 


w^j*  iky  4*  clothed  with  the  fun-beames,  and  fl*epe  fecurely 
mp>nthe  bare  pavement,  neither  do  they  need  fo  much,  /hoes,  or 
wine %orfuchlar^e  feeding  :  they  contenting  themfelves  with 
the  fountain  e  $  ofwater;  and  that  time  of they  eare  doth  furnifi 
afuidaine  txbte  to  them  offmzll  herbes  of  little  worth,  and  a  lit" 
tlepulfe;  To  which  h  added  another  no  lejfe  commodity,  for 
they  which  b  uildh  oh  ft  s, till  the  earth,  and  fayle  on  the  fed  doe 
much  need  their  fervice-^. But  in  winter  they  are  divers  waies 
affli£ledtandvex*di  hunecr  doth  dcHrey  their  Bowels  within, 
cold  doth  cenfume  their  flefh  without :  b? fides  they  then  neede 
mire  food,  warmer  tlothing,  beds,  fomething  to  lie  on,  fhooes, 
and  many  other  things  i  and  which  timoH  grievous,  the  time 
Aat  h  not  affoord  workf.  Therefore  becaufe  they  need  much,  and 
want  worke,  no  man  giving  to  thefe  dittreffed  ones  hire, or  enjoy- 
ning  them  worke,  let  us  at  length  fir  etch  out  oftr  hands  to  give 
not  onely  hire, but  almet -deeds, dec. 

I  (hould  be  ekd,if  the  lamentable  knguifhinglookes,  if  the 

difcomfiting  dolourous  diftreffes,  if  the  painefull  pinching 

penury,  if  the  afperate  appaling  anxieties  of  our  poore  people 

did  not  paralell  thofe  of  Antioch ;  bu  1 1  feare  me  they  furpaffe 

and  furmount  them.  It  is  needlefle,and  fuperfluous,I  fuppofey 

for  me  to  tell  you  that  our  pinchcd,if  not  pined  poore  are  ma- 

ny,and  much  multiplied ;  or  that  their  prefent  preflfuresare 

violently  vexing  if  not  infuflferably,  and  intollerably :  for 

*  i .  Not  onely  are  they  conftrained  in  regard  of  other  mens 

hard-heartednefle,  want  of  bowels  of companion,  and  defire 

of  private  perfonall  enrichment  (though  with  the  cries  and 

curfings,  theruineanddeftriiclion  of  the  opprefled)to  part 

with  their  commodities  at  fiich  low  and  under  rates,  that  they 

may  be  faid  rather  to  give  away,  then  fell  the  fruices  of  their 

labour. 

Somcbail  2.  But  alfo  that  which  they  buy,  they  purchafe  at  exoeffive 

that  diy,  ft.      Pnccs>  the  fcarcity  and  fcantneffe  of  all  forts  of  neceffary  food 

lebruw  i  j.     being  fo  great,fo  gcnerall,  of  fuch  timely  begining,and  of  fuch 

1631.  fold  for  long  continuance,that,I  thinke,neither  we  nor  our  fathers  have 

tf'sidaftrikc  feene  the  like. 

aafkcl"^         3  •  A?d  that  wl]ich  a^  ^  Srcatei&  hnden  ofmiferies  upon 


obct.s.  The  ChriftUv  Corfift.  Mj 

thefemifcrable,  of  dolours  upon  rhefediftrcfTed  men  is  want 
of worke,  and  imploymenr.  For  alrhough  a  man  could  fell  at 
a  dearc  rare  and  buy  at  a  low  price ;  yet  wanting  things  (alc- 
ablc,and  not  having  money  to  buy  things  vendible  \  he  is  not 
at  all  benefited  by  rhc/e  affifting  advantages.  I  thinke  it  farre 
better  for  a  poo  re  man  to  give  5  s  for  a  ftrike  of  come,  having 
worke  to  get  the  fame  :  then  to  have  liberty  to  buy  .the  ielfe- 
fame  corne  for  5  d,  not  knowing  how  to  procure  that  5  d  to 
purcbafethefame. 

Say  not,  beloved  brethren,  of  your  diftreffed  neighbours,  Ob\tU%u 
Give  them  the  law,and  whip  them ;  Give  them  the  law,  and 
ftock  thereuntil  you  firft  give  them  the  taw,and  relieve  them. 
Our  pious  and  wholeibme  lawes  take  order  as  well  for  their 
provision,  as  punifhment.     Our  fword  of  jufticc  hath  (or 
ought  to  have)  two  edges,  one  to  punifTi,  and  correel  the  cri- 
minous, the  other  to  pa tronize,and  defend  the  diftrefTcd.Give 
them  for  every  oath  and  curfe  according  to  the  law,  I  s.  Give 
them  for  every  one  who  prophaneth  the  Sabbath  by  playing, 
3  s-4d :  by  felling,  by  travelling,  1 1*  according  to  our  reli- 
gious Statutes.  Give  them  from  your  ale-houfes  whokeepe 
riot  the  fizr,  1 1  •  for  ale  houfe  keepers  futTering  men  to  fit  tip- 
ling  long  in  their  houfes,  I  o  s  :  for  every  tipler  in  an  ale-houie 
3  s-4d  &c.  for  every  one  who  is  drunke  5  s.  Give  the  aged 
and  impotent  poore  competent  reliefe.   Give  the  able  and 
working  poore  labour  and  imployment,  and  then  give  cor- 
rection to  the  idle  poore,and  fpare  not. 

Say  not,  beloved  brethren,  they  are  idle,  they  are  idle  (as  OtjeB,  1 J 
cruel!  Pbtroah  faid  to  thediltreffed  Ifraelites,exa<5ting  the  tale 
of  brickes,  not  allowing  ftrawto  make  them,  Sxod.^.)  and 
therefore  they  muft  noteate.  Tor  fome  are  neceftarily  idle, 
who  are  unoccupied  becaufe  they  want  worke,  as  well  as 
others  are  voluntarily  idle,  who  may  worke  and  will  not,cea- 
ling  to  labour  through  love  of  eafe,  of  which  latter  onely  Saint 
SP4«/fpeakes,  faying,  If  any  will  not  (not,doth  not)  r»or\e%nti~ 
tber  (bould  he  eMejiTbeff.  3.10. 

Say  not,  beloved  brethren,  you  want  ability  to  imcloy  the  OtjcR.fl 
ogefort,  and  to  relieve  the  othet.  For  furcitis,  ifoidmens 

report; 


%l%  TheCbriJlUnConflict.  Chap.7. 

reports  are  true,we  have  more  Giver,  and  gold  then  our  Fore* 
fathers  had ;  weef are  more  delicioufly  then  our  forefethera 
did ;  and  our  garmentsare  more  coftly,and  gay  then  our  fore- 
fathers were :  Sparc  we  therefore  fome  unneceflary  (uperflui- 
ties  from  our  fdves ;  that  we  may  be  better  enabled  to  com- 
municate to  others. 

But  fincetheir  condition  is  every  way  fo  dreadful],  anddi- 
fireiUng.  If  there  be  any  confolation  is  Chriifyfany  comfort 
of  love,  if  any  fellowftup  of  the  fpirit,  if  any  bowels,  and 
memoes. 

i.  Open  your  eyes,  behold,  andfeetheurgent  neceffities 
of  your  brethren;  looke  upon  their  pale,  and  pining  counte- 
nance*, their  wan  and  watry  faces ;  See  how  many,  and  what 
able  bodies  are  neceffarily  idle,  and  thereby  enforced  •  fomc 
to  pilfer,  fome  to  begg,and  all  to  languid) .  Caft  a  few  loukes 
intopoore  menshoufes,  many  of  which  Ifcare  are  worfc 
provided  of  neceflary  comforts  for  this  life,  then  rich  mens 
iwine.yca  dogs. 

t.  Open  your  eares  to  bearc  the  bitter  bewailing,  the  dole* 
full  lamentations,  forrowftill  fighingsof  fad  and  figbing  pa- 
rents,not  knowing  how  or  which  way  to  alTwage  and  miti- 
gate the  keene  and  cutting,  the  rough  and  afperate  hunger  of  , 
Siemfelves,  and  their  condoling  children.  Open  your  cares  to 
beare  the  grievous  groaning,  and  miferable  moanings  of  pin- 
ched, and  pining  children,  complaining,  and  crying  to  their 
affli&ed  parents  in  vaine  for  bread. 

3.  That  by  hearing  and  feeing  yew  brcthrens  vehement,' 
and  urgent  cxtremities,thatby  taking  notice  of,and  beholding 
other  mens  miferies,  you  may  put  on  bowels  of  compaffion, 
fellow-feeling  andpittie;  and  demonftrate,  or  &ew  your 
comj>affionate,mercifull,and  pitti£uilhearts,which  alone  is  not 
fufficient,by  your  compaflionate,  mercifall,  and  pitifull  band, 
which  isalfo  neceflary.Thatas  companion  in  God  is  thecaufe 
„  of  comfort  towards  us ;  fo  companion  in  us  may  be  the  caufe 
UMtiiwt  1.    of  comfort  towards  diftrefled  Christians.    ' 

That  fo  wee  may  bee  free  from  unmcrcifullneffe,  one 
quality,  badge,  and  character  of  raitbclceving  naifcreants, 
S«m.£.3o.  a.  That 

: 


Sect.S.  TbeChriflidnCdxJlilt.  uj 

%.  That  fo  we  may  afllmulate  our  felves  unto  the  good  and 
godly  man,whofe  property  is  to  be  gracious,  and  full  of  com- 
pafTion,7yW.ii2.4.tofhewfavour,  and  to  lend,  v.  5.  todif* 
perfe,  and  give  to  the  poore,t/.p. 

3.  That  fo  we  may  be  followers  of  Chrifl:  Iefas,  who  is 
rich  in  mercy  and  ready  to  comfort,  helpe,  and  fuccourjll 
that  come  unto  him,  call  upon  him,  trtift  in  him,  and  walke 
in  his  waies.  Who  as  he  is  able,  fo  is  he  willing  tohclpc 
all  thofe  that  fceke  to  him  for  fuccour  ;  who  is  full  of 
pitty  and  companion  towards  rnankmdein  mifcryjefpecially 
rewards  the  eled. 

4.  That  fo  we  may  obediently  praclife  thofe  pious  pre- 
cepts of  our  fbveraigne  Lord,  and  loving  Saviour,  Luke  6. 
J  6.  Bee  you  therefore  mer  cif till  *t  your  father  dlfo  is  merciftiU% 
Ephefo  3  3*  'Bee you  kjnde  one  to  another ,CoIof.  3 . 13*  *P*t  on 
therefore  as  the  elc El  of  god  holy  and  beloved,  bowels  of  uni- 
ties;  kjndneffe. 

5  .That  fo  we  may  avoid  that  dolefufl,and  never  enough  de- 
plored doome  of  hardhearted  mercileffe  men,  with  whom 
their  Lord  is  wroth,' and  will  deliver  them  to  thetormen- 
fours  untill  they  pay  that  which  they  ate  never  able  to 
doe,  becaufethey  have  not  companion  on  their  fellow  fer- 
rants,  as  God  hath  had  pitty  on  them,  cJWWr.18.5  3,34.  Who 
(hall  have  judgement  without  mercy,  Umes  3.13.  And  who 
fliall  one  day  heare  that  dreadfull  valedicYion,Depart  from  me 
you  curfed  into  everlaftingfire  prepared  for  the  Divell  and  his 
Angels,U^/«ir.2  5.4i. 

6.  That  fo  we  may  have  propriety  in,  and  participate  of 
thofe  precious  promifes  of  rich  reward  from  the  moft 
mercifull,  and  unchangeable  Iehovah  recorded  and  regi- 
ftred,7ya/.4i.l.  Blejfed  U  hee  that  confdereth  the  poor e^ 
and  needy,  the  Lord  wtll \&c.  Pfalme  112  5.  &c*  Surely  he 
flfaff  netie  moved  for  ever3  beejhnll  bee  in  evcrUfting  remem- 
brnncei&c? 

7.  That  fq  we  may  not  come  fliort  of  other  creatures, 
the  noblenefle  of  which  confifts  in  giving,  of  the  Sun  .in  gi- 
ving light,  of  the  Moone,  and  Stars  in  giving  light, -of  the 

K  clouds 


If  thou  clo*» 
theft  the  na- 
ked, thou  cioa« 
theft  thy  felfe 
with  righte- 
ouines,  if  thou, 
bringeft  the 
ftuanger  into 
thy  iioafe,  and 
received  tbc 
needy,  he  will 
procure  thee 
die  friend  (hip 
of  the  Saints  & 
eternall  manil- 
ons  j  this  is  no 
fmaH  favour, 
thou  foweft 
corporal  I 
things^  and  re- 
ceived fpiritu 
all — furely 
hee  is  blef- 
fed.-but  of 
whofe  houfe 
the  poore  ne- 
ver goeth  a- 
w.iy  empty. 
Amb.officMb.l 
cap.  11. 


.    I  jo  TheChrtjttenConflta.         Chap. 7* 

clouds  in  giving  raine,J  of  the  earth  in  giving  graffe,  of  the 
herbes  in  giving  flowers,  of  trees  in  giving  fruit.In  this  great 
famine  let  us  give,  for  as  a  fpring  which  breakes  from  the  top 
ofa  mountaine  cannot  but  water  the  lower  parts,  and  the  val* 
leys  1  So  if  our  love  be  once  fixed  on  God,we  cannot  but  love* 
and  refreih  our  neighbours. 

To  thefe  I  will  add  eight  out  of  Saint  Chryfo(lome\ 
1 .  He  tels  us  that  works s  of  mercy  put  to  flight  the  Divell% 
.      ~  ,      his  ground  ts,  Pfalme  41.  the  Lord  wiU  deliver  him  in  the  day 
oaun    a       9j  w-£  J  of  judgement.    Bee  Jhall  bee  bleffed  J.  hee  makes 
thofe  to  whom  hee  is  bountiful!,  andthofe  which  kjtow  him  to 
call  him  bleffed.  Hee  will  not  deliver  him  to  the  will  of  hit  ene- 
mies ,i.  Divels. 

* .  He  tels  us,that  this  U  more  excellent  then  to  build  afump* 
Horn,  j  5.  in      tuous  temple,  becaufe  infidels,  and  theeves  may  take  away  that  5 
Match.  1  j.        But  the  l)ivell cannot  take  away  this  treafwre  which  we  lay  uf 
in  heaven  by  giving  to  the  psore. 

3 .  He  tels  us  that  worlds  of  mercy  cleanfe  from  finne,  his 
lVii.  ground  is,  Luke  1l.4i.Bttt  rather  give  almes,  and  beheld  all 

things  are  cleane  unto  you. 
ibid,  4.  He  tchusihatalmes-deeds  are  better  then  facrifice,  from 

Hofeah  6.6.  I  will  have  mercy \and  not  facrifice . 

5.  He  tels  us  that  this  opens  heaven,  from  Atls  10. 4,  Thy 
&i&                frayers%and  t  bine  almes  are  gone  up  for  a  mem  or  toll  before  god% 

6.  He  tels  us  that  this  is  a  facrifice  afcending  to  heaven% 
andperfwades  us,  when  we  fee  the  poore,  not  to  fleight  them, 

Hom.ji.in  but  to  thinke  what  wee  fhould  be  were  we  fuch,  what  them 
would  we  have  others  doe  for  us  *  He  would  not  have  tie  to  re* 
procbthem.  He  would  not  have  us  examine  their  eonvetfatioss% 
but  relieve  them. 

7.  He  tels  us  that  the  poore  mens  hands  build  m  houfes  in. 
heaven ;  almes-  deeds  are  a  good  attifl,  they  are  the  friend  of 

Horn.  32.  ia  Q0£^  if  it  & purt  and  fincereit  gives  much  confidence,  it  in- 
treatetfor  them, it  hath  fuch  force  that  it  breakes  bonds,dojfolvet 
darkmffe,  cxtinguificth  fire, kilt  the  worme9and  expels  gua/hing 
of  teeth. 

&  He  tels  us  that  this  is  the  mojfgainefull  and  profitable  art; 

becaufq 


HelMi, 


Sect.8.  ThChfiftiinCMftZt.  xjf 

bec&fe  other  Mrtsvnnijbtwnj  with  thisfrefent  lift,  withficlr.  Homn  a<1 
neffe^&c.  fat  this  *rt  efmerctfuflneffe,  when  the  world  fnffeth  p0«  Antiock. 
uw*j>  doth  mo  ft  *pf?*re  whew  we  diet  doth  mo  ft  (line,  it  is  fruit" 
full  to  *  m*n  in  bisfak*e{fel  in  hii  old  age ,  tndgoctb  with  him  t§ 
Mother  life. 

Befides  I  might  furnifh  yoH  with  many  cutting  conclus- 
ions out  of  this  facred  armorie  of  Gods  Word  againft  unmer- 
ciful lneffc,and  with  many  preffing  places  to  bou  nti  full  nes  and 
mercy  .But  I  will  name  but  one  place  for  both,and  fo  proceed. 
Mut. 25.31  .&c.  At  that  laft^nd  dr? adfbll  day  of  jud gement, 
When  Icfus  Chrift  with  glorious  Majefty  (hal  com  with  a  pom- 
pous guard  of  attending  Angels ;  with  great  authority  (hall 
gather  al  nations  in  a  moment  of  time  before  him;with  unfpeak- 
able  wifdome  fhall  fever  the  chaffc  from  the  wheate,the  fliecp 
from  the  goates.the  good  from  the  bad,  &  with  perfect  equity 
ihall  give  an  upright  fentence  of  abfolution  to  the  good,of con- 
demnation to  the  bad.From  whofe  judgement  no  excufe  will 
exempt,no  cave  can  hidc,nor  cattle  hold-.our  comming  to  it  not 
being  a  matter  of  liberty,  and  freedome,  butofneceflity.  In 
which  laft  day,  when  e\rery  man  mutt  anfwer  for  himfelfe,and 
in  his  own  perfbn,  where  no  pro&our,  no  advocate,  no  fubfti- 
tutc,nofurety,nopledge,no  friend  to  anfwer  for  other,  but 
each  man  for  himfelfe,  the  husband  cannot  for  the  wife,the  fa- 
ther for  the  fon,nor  one  friend  for  another  .Which  (hall  difco- 
rer  and  difference  betweene  hypocrites  and  true  Chriftians 
both  in  regard  of  their  nature  and  difpofition,  and  in  refpeft  of 
their  ft  ate  and  condition. 

t  .  Thofe  brutifli  goates,who  are  feparated  and  fecluded  to 
the  left  hand :  Although  they  claime  an  intereft  in  Chrift 
as  well  as  true  and  faithful]  Chriftians,  and  callthemfelves  by 
bis  name,  his  fervants,  and  him  their  Lord,  ver.iq.  Al- 
though they  footh,  and  flatter  themfelves  in  their  finncs 
faying  when  faw  we  ?  Although  they  qualifle,  and  pftifie 
their  wicked  doings,  not  onely  in  fome  particular  a&ion, 
but  alfo  in  whatfoever  they  are  charged  withall,  faying, 
wbtnftw  vet  thee  an  hungry  ,&c  i 

Yet  (Chrift  taking  as  denied  to  himfclfe  the  duties  of  love 

Ml  which 


*5 


i  rjz  \*  r/njt***f*  \*\tttjuv+i 


which  arc  denied  to  Chrift  ians,v.4$. He  having  fuch  a  tender 
care  of  all  true  Chtiftians,  that  hee  regifters  all  the  wrongs 
which  are  done  unto  them,  minding  in  time  to  right  the  fame* 
v.4*.  And  regarding,regi(tring,  and  remembring  the  leaft  in- 
juries that  are  done  to  the  leaft  of  his  brethren,  f.45 .)  fhall 
have  denounced  againft  them  that  dreadfull  doome,  Depart 
from  mejoH  curfed>\8cc.  'Depart  from  me  a  King,  a  Saviour,  at 
whofe  right  hand  are  pleafures  for  evermore,  into  everUfttng 
jfrr,where  their  worme  never  dieth,and  their  fire  is  not  (\x\zn- 
ched,vithtberD$veJsntibu  Angels  \  a  departure  dolefull,  and 
dreadfull  with  fuchconforts  into  torments  fo  eafekfTe,.  end- 
lefle,bopelefle,and  helple(Te:F*rjw»  g*ve  menot  meate  38cc.yo\l< 
are  not  withuut  juft  caufe  condemned,  the  caufe  of  your  con- 
demnation is  in  your  ielves,and  of  your  felves  you  have  omit- 
ted good  duties,and  fins  of  omiflion  are  nolefle  dangerous,and 
damnable  then  fins  of  comiffio.You  have  been  defpiiers  of  the 
poore,carelefle  contemner!  of  Chriftians  under  the  Croflfe,yoa 
did  not  fccd9  cloath,  lodge,  vifit  me  in  my  affiled  members 
you  have  been  cruel!,  and  cruelty  is  a  curfed  thing,  and  crucil 
perfons  are  curfed  creatures  ;  yoivhave  beencmercileflc  men* 
without  compaffion ,naturall  affcction,and.the  fin  ofunmerci- 
fullnene  comprehends  all  wicked nefle,  and  is  contrary  to  all 
righteoufnes, jand  the  mercilcflfe  man  is  gaceleffe,  and  void  of 
all  goodnes;  becaufe  cruelty  makes  men  molt  unlike  to  God, 
Mst.$  .48  and  moft  like  to  the  dwell, I  ok. S.  1  /V;.5.,8»Thex« 
fbre  depart  from  me  you  curfed,&c. 

2.  Andthofeblefledflieep  (landing  at'Chrifts  right  hand* 
Although  they  are  fo  farre  from  chalenging  heaven  for  their 
merit,tfiatthey  diQike  anddifclaimeal  mention  made  of  their 
good  works  in  the  caufe  of  their  falvation,  or  justification,  fay- 
m&wbem  (aw  we  thee  a*  hungry  ^aked^c.yti  Chrift  doth  tefti-* 
fTe  his  good  acceptance  oftheir  love  (hewed  to  others  for  his 
fake,they  (hewiiig mercy  to  Chrift  in  his  living  members,  and 
fuchas  lack  meate,drink,&c  in  com  for  ting„and  commending 
them  for  thefe  their  works  of  mercy.  Not  but  'that  there  arc 
more  works  of  mercy  then  thofe  fix,for  according  to  the  fevc^ 
'Tall  kinds  of miferies,fo  are  mercies  diftinguifhed. 


Sicr.f.  The  Chrifkhn  fl*j!i&.  if$ 

Not  but  that  Christians  fliall  be  commended  at  the  day  of 
judgement  for  other  performances  as  well  as  thefe.  Witneflc 
Mattb.ig. 27,2 8 .  Ton  which have  followed \me in  the  re  genera* 
tionfiail&c.  Witnefle  Matth.  24. 46.  'Bit  fed  is that  fervant 
whom  his  Lord  when  he  eommnh  Ml  findfo  doing.  And  witneffe 
M*tth.i  5 .2  j .  Well  dene  good  andfaithfuRfervant%  &C. 

Yet  thefe  inferiour  workes  of  the  fecond  Table  are  one- 
ly  named  and  preferred ,  Became  they  are  fuchas  each  man 
may  performe :  Becaufe  they  beft  difcovcr  the  hypecrifieof 
rounterfeit  Chriftians*  And  they  arecholen  for  their  witnefle^ 
not  their  worth. 

That  we  therefore  may  (when  he  fhsll  appeare)tiave  confi- 
dence, and  not  be  afliamed  before  him  at  his  comming. 

That  we  therefore  may  ftand  in  the  number  of  thofeto 
whom  the  King  (hall  fay>  Come  you  blefed  of  my  Father %  inhe- 
rit the  ki*gdome,  &  c.  Let  us  (lie w  thefe  workes  of  mercy  (o 
farre  forth  as  occafion  and  ability  will  fer  ve,  and  fa  often  as  o- 
thers  wa  nt  and  we  have. 

2.  You  poorc  people  at  iuch  times  as  thefe  affaulted,  and 
tempted  by  Satan  tofeek  fuccour  from,  andtoeafe  your  (mart 
by  meanes  divelliftiand  diabolicall;  and  to  dishonour  the  Lord 
by  lying,ftealing,railing,reviliiig,murmuring,and  diftruit. 

Betake  your  (elves  therefore  to  your  ipirituall  weapons,and 
take  unto  you  the  whole armour  of  God%  that  je  may  be  ablet* 
Wthftaadirrtbffe  evilldayes. 

1 .  Let  your  loynes  be  girt  about  with  truth,  whereby  you 
maybe  guarded  and  defended  from  loathfome  lying,  anddi- 
vellifh  cwlimulation. 

2 .  Put  upon  you  the  breft-  plate  of  righteoufneffe,  to  ftiield 
and  fafegnard  you  againft  injurious ,  violent,  and  unjuft  deal- 
ings, pilfering,  and  purloining. 

3 .  Let  your  feet  be  (hod  with  tha  preparation  of  the  Gof- 
pell  of  peace,  that  you  may  pane  through  comfortably  and 
couragioafly  the  many  piercing  preflures  of  pinching  penury. 

,  4.  Above  all  take  the  lUeld  of  faith.  That  will  fo  fupporc 
you,  that  yon  fbali  indure,  feeing  by  it  biru  who  is  invifible, 

K  5  5.  And 


—  jt   -m  ^ 

5 .  And  take  the  helmet  of  falvation  Hope,  which  will  com- 
Fort  and  confolate  you  againft  diftracl:ingdifcomfits,and  dread- 
full  fearcs;  ftrengthen  and  enable  you  to  depend  upon  the 
Lord,  and  expert  with  patient  waiting  (  without  limiting  the 
holy  One  of  Ifrael )  helpe ,  and  deliverance  from  the  Lord,  % 
who  is  the  health  of  your  countenance^  and  yonr  (jod^  Pfalme 
4».  ii. 

6.  And  the  fwordof  the  Spirit,  which  will  defend  you, , 
and  drive  away  the  tempter* 

I.  This  will  ftore  you  with  thefe  and fuch like  precious 
promifes.  Pfal.%  }.  I  p.  The  herd  will  keep*  them  alive  in  the  I 
time  of %  famine ,  who  feare  hint  and  hope  in  hid  mercy.  Pfal.  $4, 
I  o.  They  that  feare  the  Lord  fhad  not  noant  any  good  thing,  \ 
Tfal. I7.16.  *A little  that  the  righteow  hath  ii  tetter  than  the 
riches  of  many  wicked.  Mat. 6.3  3.  Tirftfeehfthe  kingdeme  ef 
heaven,  and  &c. 

%.  This  will  (hew  you  that  God  feeds  the  fowlesjZ*^  1 ». 
34.  Yeathemoft  feeble  and  filthy  ravens,  Pfal.  147.0.^  the  : 
beads,  Pfal.  104., Infants,  Pfal.  71.  ft-  and  wicked  men,  (7**  - 
af.14,19^ 

3 .  This  will  certifie  you  that  our  gracious  God  did  feed 
the  many  Israelites  which  came  out  of  Egypt  in  a  dcfolate  and 
barren  wilderneft,  Eltjah  withravens,!  King.xy.^6.  and  a  , 
ppore  widow  Ver.o  ,jn  the  time  of  famine. 

4,  This  will  declare  and  demonstrate  that  the  Lord  is  your 
Shepheard,  P/V^.i.andmercifull  Father. 

From  which  precious  promifcs  and  pradices  of  our  good 
and  gracious  God  you  may  thus  arm  and  animate  your(elves3 
and  with  this  weapon  wound  theDivell,dif!ipateand  difanull 
his  direfull  darts  to  diffident  diltruflfulnefTe. 
.1.  Hath  the  true  and  unchangeable  Iehovahj  who  cannot 
lk,Tit.  1*1.  whofe  prtmifes  are yea  and  Amen%  2  Cor.  1.2©. 
Blade  fo  many,  and  fuch  merciful]  promifes  ? 

2.  Doth  he  feed,  and  provide  for  thefpwlesofthc  aire, 
she  wild  beafts  of  the  defarts,  the  wicked  and  ungodly,  the 
young  and  helplefle  infants  ? 

3.  Is  it  undeniably  wanifeft  that  fuch  who  have  depended 

upori 


Sficr.pi  TheChrifttdnCwfltfl.  ijf 

upon  God  in  extremities,  have  beene  (ufficiently  provided    ' 
for,  Luke  a*.  5  5 .  When  I  fent  you  without  purie,  and  fcrip, 
and  fhoes,  lacked  ye  any  thing  ?    And  they  (aid,  Nothing, 
By  extraordinary  meanes,the  ordinary  failing,  Exod.  1 6\ 

4.  Will  wicked  men  feed  their  wicked,  and  good  chil- 
•  dren  ? 

Will  good  men  feed  their  godly  and  ungodly  children^ 

Will  bruit  and  favage  beads  feed  and  provide  for  their 
young? 

Will  fowles  ofthe  aire  feed  and  fofler  theirs  ? 

And  {hall  we  didrud,  to  whom  thofe  lure  and  certaine, 
•fweet  and  precious  promifet  belong,  we  being  better  than 
beads,  birds,  "and  lonnes  of  Belial  ?  The  Lord  having  beene 
our  truft  from  our  youth,  by  whom  we  have  beene  holden  up 
from  the  wombe,?/*/^  1.6.  He  being  the  feme  to  us  now, 
he  was  to  hkchofen  formerly :  as  able  and  ready  to  fuccour 
and  fupport  us  now,  as  he  did  them  in  their  extremities.  And 
his  care  of,and  compaflion  towards  us  fiirpaffing  infinitely,and 
beyond  all  comparifon  not  onely  that  of  birds,  or  beads  to- 
wards their  young;  but  alfo  thatof  men^  good  and  bad  to^ 
'Wards  their  children  ?  We  will  not  do  ir. 

Sect.  9. 

tAgAinfi  Antinomies* 

THe  want  of  thefe  warlike  weapons  is  a  prime  and  princi- 
pall  caufe  that  fo  many  doting  and  deluded,  halting  and 
hollow-hearted,  weake  and  wavering, -rotten  and  Telapfed 
Chriftians,  unfound,  and  unfetled  in  the  wayes  of  life,  are  to£ 
led  to  and  fro,  and  carried  about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine  Eph.4-*$» 
bythefleightofmen,  and  <unning  crafcinefle,  whereby  they 
lie  in  wait  to  deceive,  of  which  fort  we  lately  have  had  fome 
tyandring  feducers,  which  creeping  into  houfes,  have  led  cap- 
tive fome  fiUy  (yet  felfe-conceipted)  men  and  women  laden 
with  finnes ,  led  away  with  diverfe  luds,  ever  learning ,  and 
never  able  to  come  tothe  knowledge  of  the  truth,   Nwas  i/Tim.j.*, 

K  4  Uunss 


"— 


Book  1.  Cap.  h 

pag-H- 
Book  g.Cap.8. 

pvig.  1 1 9. 
Book  ?.Cap.£« 
pug.  24  2. 


;Am.Theol.l.i 
C.i7.Thcf,  24. 

pcrLGil.r. 


pa*.  18  6, 


i  3  6  The  ChriJlidH  ConjUtl.         Ch  a  p  .7^ 

/4»»tf/  and  Umbres  withftood  Mo fet9  fodothefe  alfo  refift 
the  truth ;  whofe  folly  I  have  formerly  endeavoured  to  mani- 
feft  in  this  place,  in  naming  ibme,  (the  very  naming  being  a 
fufficient  confutation  of  the  mod,  they  are  fo  fond ,  and  phan- 
tafticall )  and  confuting  others  of  their  foolifli  fancies ,  in  my 
difcourfe  of  the  Society  of  Saints,  in  which 

Firft,  I  have  fhewed  that  the  Saints  on  earth  arefinners, 
although  not  fuch  tinners  as  dogs,  'and  fwine,  or  fonnes  of  Be- 
lial; and  anfwered  their  objections  by  which  they  pretend  to 
prove  that  the  Saints  in  this  life  are  io  pure  and  perfect,  as  that 
they  are  free  fromfinne:  For,  although  it  is  true  that  all  the 
finncs  of  the  Saints  are  pardoned,  not  onefy  thofe  which  are 
paft  and  prelent,  but  alfo  in  fome  forr  thofe  to  come ;  yet 
hence  to  inferre,  therefore  the  Saints  are  free  from  finne^is  ab- 
furd  and  erroneous.  All  finnes  of  juftified  perfons  are  pardon- 
ed, yet  differently:  Sinnes  paft  by  a  formal!  application,finnes 
to  come  by  a  virtuall  :  Sinnes  paft  in  themfelves;  finnes  to 
come  in  the  (ub/ecl,  or  perion  (inning,  faith  E>.  Ames. 

All  their  finnes  are  pardoned ,  yet  not-  fo  as  to  free  them 
from  finne  in  this  life ;  for  although  the  children  ofGod  have  • 
the  pardon  of  their,  finnes  to -come,  not  onely  in  refpeel  of 
Gods  decree  to  pardon  :  but  alfo  in  refpeel  of  his  promife  to 
pardon,  and  in  refpecl:  of  the  procurementof  pardon  upon  the 
croffe  :  yet- they  want  the  pardon  of  their  finnes,  untill  the 
Lord  doth  give  and  communicate  Chrift  untothem,and  appli- 
eth  to  their  confeience  the  remiffion  of  their  finnes :  and  ther- 
fprc  the  pardon  of  their  finnes  is  not  fully  and  abfolutely  given 
them  untill  they  recover  themfelves,  and  renew  their  repen- 
tance.   God  doth  pardon  all  the  finnes  of  his  children  ,  yea 
their  finnes  to  come,  not  (imply,  but  upon  condition  of  fumre 
repentance,  and  abfolutely,  when  they  repent  and  rerew  the 
fame,  iStm.xz*  a^r.5.21.  Should  a  man  inferre  that  be- 
caufe  in  Gods  decree  all  men  (hall  die  and  come  to  judge- 
ment, that  therefore  all  men  are  dead  and  come  to  judgement.. 
Should  a  man  inferre  thatbecaufe  in  refpecl:  of  Gods  promife,- 
in  refpecl:  of  the  procurement  the  Saints  are  glorified,  that 
therefore  the  Sajnts  who  are  under  trials  of  cruell  mockings * 

and 


Sb  c  T  ;$;  The  chtifiUn  ctnfliff.  137 

and  fcourgings ;  yea  moreover,  in  bonds  and  imprifonments, 
who  wander  in  (heeps  skins  and  goats  skins,  being  deft  i cure, 
afflicted,  and  tormented,  and  they  who  as  yet  are  unborne, 
and  never  faw  the  Sun,  are  already  actually  glorified  in  hea- 
ven. I  fuppofe every  man  would  ceniure  iuch  conclusions  a9 
irreligious,  if  nor  unreafonable ;  as  unreafonable,  if  not  fenf- 
lefic ;  as  unfound,  if  not  abftird ;  as  fantafticall ,  if  not  fran- 
ticke ;  as  erroneous,  i  f  not  her  eticall. 

I  therefore  (fince  this  their  i  faience  is  as  imprudent  and 
improbable,  as  incongruous,  and  incorfiderate)  heartily  and' 
humbly  wifh  3nd  defire  thefe  filly  deluded  foules  tolay  afide 
their  ovvnefelfe-conceipte^ne  ft  .md  felfe-mftice,  todifcerne 
and  deplore  their  owne  difabihties,  and  defilt  from  difturbifig 
the  Church  w  ith  their  diflbnant  oirtraclions. 

Secondly,  I  bane  clearely  manifeftedthe  differences  and  a- 
greenaems  betweene  the  juftiried  Iewes  and  Chriftians  to  be 
fach,  that  the  covenant  betweene  the  Lord,  them  and  us,  is 
one  and  the  fame,  according  :o  the  Dofh-ine  of  our  Church,  Horn,  of  faitha 
which  faith,  Although  they  were  not  named  Chrifien  men,  yet   B.i. 
or**  it  a  Christian  faith  that  they  had;  for  they  /coked  for  all  be* 
nrfi's of  god  the  Father  through  the  merits  of  hi*  Sonne  I 'e ftss 
Gh'tft  as  we  do,  Thts  difference  is  betweene  them  and  us ;  forr 
they  looked  when  Chrtji  (houU  come,  and  we  be  in  the  time  when 
he  U  come :  Therefore  faith  5.  Auguftine,  t he  time  is  altered \ 
bait  not  the  faith  :  for  we  have  bosh  one  faith  in  one  Chtifl ,  the 
fame  Holy  Ghofl  alfo  that  we  have, had  they,  faith  .S'.Paul  ;  for, 
as  the  Holy  ghofl  doth  teach  hs  to  trufl  in  god,  and  to  call  upon 
him  as  otsr  Father ;  fo  did  he  teach  them  to  fay  m  it  is  written, 
Thou  Lord  art  our  Father  and  Redeemer,  thy  Name  is  without  ^ 
beginning,  and  ever lafting .  god  gave  them  then  grace  to  be  his 
ehildren,  as  he  doth  ns  now,  againft  thegainefayings  of  thefe 
contradicting  cavillers. 

Thirdly,  I  have  clearly  proved  that  obedience  to  Godspre-  Book  $.'Cap; 
cepts  is  one,  meanes  whereby  we  keepc  covenant  with  doJ, 
and  therefore  a  part  ofthexovenant  ofgrace;which  theie  igno- 
rantly condemne  as  falfe,  {peaking evill  of  thofe  things  which 
they  know  not/or  did  they  but  understand  \\hat  this  covenant' 

is 


13  8  The  chrifiim  Cnjtill.  Ch  ii.yt 

i%  betweene  GA  and  his  people ;  namely  Gods  contradl  with 
them  concerning  the  obtainin  \  of  etermli  life  :  did  they  but 
know  chat  this  covenim  confitb  oftwo  parts,Gods  promife  to 
them,  ft.  to  give  thcai  C'nrifl:  and  his  benefits,  asremiflion  of 
finnes  and  falvation >  to  be  their  God ,  an  1  to  fave  them,  to 
deale  mercifully  aud  truly  with  them  ;  and  theirs  to  God,  fc% 
to  be  his  people  and  to  ferve  him,  to  repent  of  their  finncs,and 
receive  Chrift  by  faith  ,  to  yeeld  obedience  to  his  will ;  did 
they  but  know  that  univerfall  obedience  is,  if  not  the  fubftancc 
of  this  covenant  on  the  Saints  put,  yet  the  prjncipall  part 
thereof,  as  is  evident,  Exed  19.8.  Nebev.io.  *8.  £&*  10.3. 
They  would  not  fo  wickedly  and  wilfully  with  fuertprepofte- 
rous  prejudice  perverily  pronounce  this  orthodoxe  truth:  The 
Law  of  God  is  part  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  ungrounded, 
!  .£ook    c        and  erroneous. 
L^pag.194;  Fourthly,  I  have  exprefly  evidenced ,  that  the  Saints  of 

Book  4.Cap.  ?.  God  ought  to  feare,  as  well  as  love  the  Lord,  contrary  to  their 
pag.250.  perverfe  pofition ,  that  lore  and  feare  cannot  ftand  toge- 
ther. 
Book4.Cap.j.  Fifcly,  I  have  delineated  and  defcribed  the  iramourin$ 
l*%rH7-  excellency,  and  inevitable  neceffity  of  fanfliication,  againft 
the  irreligious  and  reproachfull ,  diabolicall  and  blafphe- 
raous  barkings  againft  the  fame ,  fomc  of  their  fraternity 
(  as  I  have  heard  reported  )  terming  it  fcurvy  fin&ification. 
Book  4.0p.^  Sixtly,  I  have  (hewed  the  extent  and  excellency  of  Chrifti- 
pag.i4i.         an  liberty ,  wherein  I  have  conttadi&ed  and  confuted  their 

lawleffeand  licentious  liberty. 
Book  4  Cap.j.  Seventhly,  I  have  opened  and  unfolded  the  do&rine  of ju- 
■t%^h  flificationjtoinforme  and  teach  them  thetrath  ofthatof  which 
they[talk,  and  talk  fa  much  to  little  purpofe,  in  which  they 
would  feeme  wondrous  wife,  although  they  wander  wide  of 
the  way. 

Eightly ,  Although  their  tenet  of  Gods  not  af Aiding  his 
children  for  their  finnes  is  (b  repugnant  to  the  regall  rule  of 
facred  Writ,  andfo  ridiculous  to  r  edified  reafon,that  the  re- 
lating is  a  fufficient  refutation  thereof :  Yet  I  much  bewailing 
thcirerrcneouswandrings,  andearneftly  defiring  their  deli- 
verance 


Sbct.>;  Th$Ci>rijH*»C*nfli8.  139 

verance  from  their  deluding  dotages ,  will  inft fuel:  and  in- 
forme  them  in  the  truth,  if  they  are  not  intractable,  andun- 
teachable.  ■ 

True  it  is,  that  fufferings  are  not  always  and  onely  for  fm9 
I*b»  p.  3.  Neither  hath  thu  fnemfmr.ea\  nor  his  father.  -^Great 
was  the  errour  therefore  of  Chrifts  Difciptes :  In  thinking 
there  was  no  other  caufe  of  the  mans  biindneflebut  finne. 
In  thinking  he  could  not  be  jufth  punifhed  with  Hindnefle 
from  his  birth,  becaufc  he  had  not  then  committed  any  a&uall 
finne;  and  in  thinking  he  could  not  be  juftly  punifhed  for  any 
finne  fave  his  owne,  or  his  parents?  for  he  might  be  punifhed 
(ox  Adams)  For  although  all  miferies  be  erTefts  of  finne,  yet 
finne  is  not  the  onely  caufe  of  mans  mifery ,  there  being  as 
well  moving  andfinall  caufes,  as  that  which  is  the  procuring 
caufe :  as  for  example, 

Firft,  There  are  diverfe  moving  caufes  of  afflictions. 

1  .>  In  regard  of  the  wicked;  the  moving  caufe  is  Gods  juft 
difpleafurc,  juftice.and  ange  r. 

a.  In  regard  of  the  elect;  the  moving  caufe  k  Gods  love 
towards  them. 

3 .  In  regard  of  both  •  the  moving  caufe  is  Gods  goody ill 
andjjleaftre- 
"15econd  ly,  1  here  are  diverfe  finall  caufes  of  afflictions.  . 

1.  In  regard  of  God  ;  history,  and  the  manifeftation  of 
his  power. 

2.  In  regard  of  the  parties  pun iflied  ;  their  good  D  and  the 
cxercifc  of  Gods  graces  in  them. 

5.  In  regard  of  otheis;  their  fore-y/arning,  and  making 
them  without  excufe. 

Notwithftanding  finne  is  the  onely  meritorious  caufe  of 
punifhmentstempf>rallandeternall,rL<iw#  £.30.   %Sam»  12. 
10.  1  Corinth,  ii.  Rom,  j.i  a.  Neither  doth  our  Saviours  an*  D.AmU<fe 
fwer  contradict  the  certainty  hereof,  hhn  9.  ^Thinndnhath  Confcienria* 
no* finned.  4 .  By  his  owre  firtne  or  the  finne  ofhis  parents  he  cnp.  1  fcThcf, 
hath  not  defcrved  more  juftly  to  be  borne  blind,  than  any  0-   » h 
ther  finuer  which  fceth  from  his  birth,  or  than  any  of  your 
fclvesj  for  Gods  purpofc  was  not  by  this  blindnefle  to  punifti 

the 


mn  earn 


*4*  The  chrifim  CMftft*         Gh  a  p  .7. 

the(inncsofthisman,andToto{atisfiehis/uflice:  but  rather 
thereby  to  make  way  for  his  mercy,  and  to  prepare  matter  for 
his  Sonne  Chrift  to  worke  upon  when  he  came  into  the 
world,  and  was  God  marifeftedinthefiefti. 
•Concerning  the  word  purjMhment  we  may  (ay  and  that 
J  truly  and  warrantably,  GocF  -pumffiicth  his  children  for  [their 
finnes.  Though  not  with  fatisfatlory  puniftiments  to  fatisfie 
and  make  amends  for  their  finnes :  nor  with  vindicative  pu- 
nishment to  take  vengeance  upon  them  for  their  tranfgreffi- 
ons;  yet  with  sheening  puniftiments ,  fatherly  correcting 
them  for  their  humbling  amendment,  P/2t/.7$-i4.  ®*dy  have 
J  beene  punifbed,  whipped,  or  fcourged,  yea  the  fame  word  is 
ufed  Ver.  5  .and  rightly  translated  plagued. 
;B.ook  5.  Cap.  Ninthly,  I  have  fliewed  that  the  law  of  God  doth  bind  the 
i4.p.ig,  1 8 1 .  confeience  of  regenerate  Chriftians  to  obedience,  againft  their 
Bopk4.Cap.6.  abfurd  annihilating  o£  and  prophane  pratUngs  againft  the  holy 
Pa8- 2  4 1  •  and  heay  enly  law  of  our  good  and  gracious  God.  To  prevent 

all  future  contradictions ,  I  have  let  downe  the  concordant 
cpnfeifions  of  eight  reformed  Churches.  Ihave  fhewedthe 
judgement  of  fome  of  the  ancient  Fathers,to  which  I  have  ad-' 
dedteftimonies  of  Scriptures,  and  certainer  eafens,  thaC'they 
might  confider ,  had  they  but  wit  or  will  to  confider  *  that  in 
driving  to  fupport  their  rotten,  ruinous,  and  ridiculous  pofiti- 
ons,  they  .contradict  the  ancient  Worthies ;  the  moft  found 
and  orthodoxe  Churches  militant  upon  earth,  and  by  name  this 
of  SngUndy  whereof  we  are  members,  andalfothe  moft  true 
and  undeniable  Word  ofGod^  not  onely  in  the  old,but  alio  in 
tfcenewTeftament. 

Yet  as  the  fame  feed  fowne  by  the  felfe  fame  feedfman  in  a 
fertile  foylc,  yeelds  a  plentifoll  increafe,  falling  in  ftony 
ground  is  fcorched^  in  thorny  is  choaked,  and  in  high-wayes 
is  devoured*  As  the  fame  v/holfcme  and  n£uri^ing^fpod 
!  .which  cheereth  andrefrefheth,  ftrengthenetrTaridTugporteth 
the  found  and  healthful!  man,  increafeth  and  au^mentet^cor- 
rupt  and  vicious^Bumours,  mala^ielfand  miferics  in  a  dift em- 
j  peredbody  ;  And  as  the  fame  radiant,  and'refplcndentrayes 
qf  that  royall  majefticall  runner  in  the  firmament ,  which 

fofceneth 


Sec  r\9*  The  chriJIUn  Ctnflifi.  141 

{gftenerh  waxe,  hardened!  clay,wbicb  makes  fragrant  flower* 
more  odoriferous,makes  corrupt  carrion  more  odious:  So  the 
pure  and  preciousTVordofGoo^wnicrTis  the  favour  oflife 
unto  life  to  feme,  is  the  favor  of  death  unto  death  unto  others, 
t  Cor.  3.16.  for  evill  men  and  feducers  will  waxe  worfe  and 
Wor'e%deceiving  and  bein^  deceived,  2  Tim.  3.13.  Ails  13.10, 
And  thefe  enemies  of  rigbteoufneffe  will  wot  ceafc  to  pervert 
the  right  wayes  of  the  Lord.  And  tbcrfore  as  the  Lord  gives  up    { 
Ephr**my  Hof.  4. 1 7.  Sphraim  is  joyned  to  idols  y  let  him  alone, 
ceafe  to  admonifh  him,  for  he  is  incureable.  As  the  Angell. 
laid  to  lohny  Rev  .11.  M.He  that  is  filthy,  let  him  be  filthy  ft  ill. 
And  as  great  2?*#  (aid  of  Eunomipu  and  his  followers ,  Why  B*fi*dB.E\M* 
fhonld  I  contraditl  mad  men  i  And  a  1  ittle  after,  Ifuppofe  thofe  ltb-  *• 
who  cannot  he  cured^  wiH  not  be  benefitted  by  the  multitude  of, 
thofe  things  which  are  [po\en.    And  before,  Truly  lam  afraid*  jjfc.  r 
left  by  often  repeating  other  mens  blaffhemies  I  fhould pollute  my 
felfe.  So  I  might  lay,  to  what  purpofe  fhould  I  confute  thefe 
fond  and  phantafhcall  people  ?  tor  variety  of  reafons  will  do 
thofe  which  are  incurable  nogood,  &cv  "Vet  partly  tojuftifie 
th«  doct*  ine  of  all  the  reformed  Churches,  and  in  particular  of 
the  Church  of  England  (as  found  and  orthodoxe  as  any  under 
the  cope  of  heaven)  againft  a  viperinc  and  venemous  viper- 
like brood  of  lawlelTe  and  licentious  libertines  :   partly  to~ 
fhengthen  and  fupport  thofe  that  ftand  ;  partly  to  uphold  and 
,  keep  from  falling  thofe  that  are  weake ;  partly  to  heale  (if  it 
be  poffible) thefe  (illy,  yet  felfe-conceipted  fedaries :  or  els 
to  fupprefle  and  fupplant  (what  in  melieth)  their  palpable,, 
yet  pernicious  abfurdities,  that  others  may  thebetter  fhunand 
avoid  tbem,  according  to  that  fubftantiajl  and  pregnant-faying 
of  great  *Baftly  Luring  impiety  is  more  dangerous  than  that  lib.ii 
which  is publUhedv  for  when  we  know  detraftors,  wo  are  went 
more  eafily  to  avoid  thtir  impudent  tongues ,  and  ungratefnH 
minds.    I  will  Oi  ce  more  aflaile  thefe  audacious  and  awkeard 
Antinomies.  In  which  attempt  I  will  not  trouble  my  felfe  or 
you  with  repetitions  of  thofe  things  which  I  have  formerly 
delivered,  neither  is  it  needfull  for  me  to  confirmc  any  of  my 
reasons ,  becaufe  cavilled  at  by  fome ,  no  more  than  it  is 

ncceflary 


I4»  the  ChriflltriConfllcl.  Ch  ap  .7. 

neceffary  to  prove  that  the  fun  doth  fhioc  in  a  bright  noonc* 
tide,becaufe  fome  blind  people  will  not  beleeveir. 
They  fay  that  we  Minifters  dare  not  preach  the  truth  through 

r  .,         fcare  ©flooring  our  livings. 

A*fw»U  An(j  js  tfo  church  of  England  ^become  a  ftepmother  fo  ri- 

gorous, and  tyrannicall  as  to  punifh  at  all,  or  fo  feverely  as 
with  the  lofle  of  living  thofe  which  preach  the  purity  of  the 
Gofpell?  And  are  all  the  pious  Paftours,  and  painefull  prea- 
chers of  this  our  famous  Church  become  fo  faint  and  coward- 
ly, that  not  one  of  them  ( onely  fome  few  ftragling  wande- 
rers) dares  to  preach  the  Gofpell  of  Chrift?  Monftrous  in> 
pudencie,  horride  impiety  !  If  thefe  doe  not  deferve  the 
ftiarpe  cenfure,  and  feverc  fcourge  of  the  Church,  traducing 
thus  venemoufly  and  un/uflly  a  Church  fo  renowned,  and  a 
Clergy  (b  reverend  let  others  judge. 

1.  But  admit  their  impious,  and  injurious  imputations  to 
be  true  and  credible,  as  they  arc  fond,falfe,  and  fantafticall : 
yet  are  all  other  reformed  Churches  enemies  to  the  purity  of 
the  Golpell,  and  are  all  other  Divines,  which  are  and  have 
beene  famous  in  the  fame,  cowardly  and  corrupt,  unfound 
and  rotten? 

r0?  c  Sa*tSa       For  thc  Church  of  England,you  have  heard  her  judgement, 

;444.BTcap.  yctheareherfpeakconce  againe 

x  4P.  1 8  $.  F»r  truly  there  u  tmperfeftnns  on  our  be  ft  worlees  :  *"  doe 

Hom.  of  the     not  love  Godfo  much  as  wee  are  bound  to  doe  pith  all  our  hearty 

miferyofman-  rnindandfowen    me  dee  not  fear*  godfomuch  a$  wee  ought 

knd-    c         to  doe. 

Hom.of  works        Thou  {halt not  kill%  thou /halt  not  commit  adultery jthou  fialt 
S>.  uotfteale—Bj  which  words  Chrift  declared  that  the  lawes  of 

god  be  the  very  waj  that  doe  leade  to  et email  life.  So  that  this 
id  to  bee  taken  for  amoH  true  lefon  taught  by  Chrift s  o.wne 
mouthy  that  the  worths  of  the  morall  commandments  of 
Cod  bee  the  very  true  workes  of  faith  which  leade  to  thebleffed 
life  to  come. 

Hid.  E.x.  Vnder  pretence  *f obedience  to  their  father  in  relfrion—tbey 

were  exemfted  by  their  rules  ,a*d canons  from  the  obedience  of 
their  natur  all  father  and  wither,  and  from  the  obedience  of  Em- 


Sec  t*.  9.  The  chriJIUn  Ctoflifl.  143 

percur9aud  King,  and  from  ajltemporall  power,  whom  of  very  Hom.ofOW 
duty  by  Gods  lawes  they  were  bound  to  obey,  &c  wherefore  let  w  N.  1 . 
fub\eUsdoe  our bounden  duties  y&c* 

Here  let  us  leame  of  Saint  Paul  theelcBvcffcllof  god,  that  ibid-  N.ixi« 
all perfbus  having fiulss  doe  owe  of  bounden  duty  t  and  oven  in 
confcience y  obedience,  fubmiffion,  and  fubjetlion  to  the  higher 
powers.    Thus  we  k^ow  partly  our  bounden  duty  to  common  aw-  7^  p# 
ibority,&c. 

How  can  we  then  be  free  {if not  free  from,  then  bound  to)  from  Hom#  a    injj 
this  commandement,  where  fo great  charge  is  Jayd  upon  us  i  Adultc^J^i  t 

Our  Church  Catcchifme.  Q^JDofi  thou  not  tbinkethat 
thou  art  bound  to  beleeve,  and  to  doe  at  they  have,,  pmmifrd  for 
thee?  A,  Yes  verily, &c.  the  things  which  they  acknowledge 
themfclves  bound  to  doe,is  to  obey  Gods  law.  Anfw.  before. 
Thirdly  that  I  /houJd^eeps [Cjods holy  will  and  commandementsr 
and  walke  in  the  fame  all  the  dates  of  my  life. 

The  Old  Teftament  is  not  contrary  to  the  new,  although  the 
law  given  from  Cjod  by  LMofes  4s  touchhng*ceremonies  and  rites  Artie  $ 
doe  not  binde  Chritlian  men-~yet  notwithftanding  no  Chnfti- 
an  man  wbatfoever  is  free  from  (therefore  bound  to)  the  obedi* 
ence  of  the  commandements  which  are  called  morall. 

Heare  fome  of  our  worthy  Divines  fpeake. 

Dr.  Reinolds  iaitb>  the  moraU law  bound  Iofepb  and  David  Overtkr.of 
to  love  their  neighbours  and  themfelves — equity  thereof  per-  ^S^pl-F^S* 
tained  tothe  morall  law^andfo  is  perpetually ,  and  (imply  to  bee 
eifcrved* 

The  morall  law  remaines  for  ever  a  rule  of  obedience  toevery  ^.j      -. 
child  of  God  ;  though  ho  be  not  bound  to  bring  the  fame  obedu 
ence  for  his  j 'unification  before  God. 

Ecclefiafticall  Hifiories  mention  many  fuch  Libertines, 
Simon  Magus  and  his  difciples,  who  taught  that  men  might 
Lawfully  commit  fomkausn—- . Bafil ides,Eunomiu&  Gnoft icke, 
who  taught  that  men  might  live  as  they  lift,  freing  now  fuch  li- 
berty was  procured\them  ;  being  freed  from  being  under  the) 
law  any  longer :  which  finne  died  not  with  thofe  cur  fed  here* 
ticket,  hut  the  Divellhath  in  theft  loft  dates  revived  it,  cfpeci*  7jm  jn  iu<je;» 
allyinfourefirttojmtn.    Firfi  the  Libertines  of  this  age,  who  fit.2.4. 

bold 


144  The  GhijtUn  Conflict*  Chap. 7.^ 

■ikra  h"  fade     &dd  "*&  the  former,  that  being  under  grace,we  are free from  the 

j.  ?  1  g .  2  </.         obedience  of  the  Utter  all  Law* 

Rom.  15.?.  M.  Wilfon.  We  are  bound  to  befubjctl,-  &C. 

Colt*  P  M#  BifieId#  Bfit  " the  *hoU  Uw  °f  {Jti^it  abrogated,  &ci 

'*•  -Hi»        D.Ames.  The  matter  of  our  obedience  is,  &c. 

In  hi*  confutation  of  BeUarmine.  Whereas  the  Itfuite  ob- 
jefts  that  wee  place  Chriftian  liberty  in  this ,  *  hat  wee  are 
fubjetl  {or  bound)  to  no  law  in  conscience  before  (jod.  He 
anfwereth,  So  hainous  is  this  liberty  of  falfe  accusing ,  that 
the  anthour  thereof  doth  feeme  to  have  no  rc$f>e&  of  law  or 
tonfeience  in  witnefe  before  Cod;  For  wee  doe  acknowledge 
that  all  Chriftiant  are  fubjeB  to  the  rule  and  direllion ,  to 
the  authority  and  obligation  of  the  Morall  Law,  and  of  all  the 
divine  Law  enjoying  us  any  duty,  &c, 

tAnd  in  hi*   Cafes  of  Conference  hee  concludes,  thai  the 

Law  of  God  doth  binde  the  conscience,  and  fliewethwhat 

it  is  to  binde,  namely,  To  have  that  power,  that  the  con* 

fcience  ought  to  be  fubjetl  to  it  9  fo  that  it  doth  Jiune,  if  it 

doth  any  thing  againfi  the  Law. 

Heare  other  Writers  judgements,  and  determination. 

loc.Com.  Claf.       Peter  Martyr  fakh  j  The  Law  is  the  rule  or  fqnare  of 

-x.cap.z.  confeienee* 

But.pet.'Je  Bullinger.   The  Law  doth  order  and  frame  the  life  of 

?erf;Leg«.43.  ^  7T 

f«/,  i,/,2lf,4,       The  Centuries  fay.  The  Scriptures  teach,  that  we  are  deli* 

vered,  or freed from  the  curfe  and  condemnation,  not  from  the  o~ 

bedienceofthe  MoraULaw, 

Againe  they  teach,  That  the  Law  Morall,  which  istheim* 

P.  184:  .  moveable  judgement  of  divine  under  (landing,  is  not  difanulled, 

but  doth  endure  for  ever. 
Lib.6.dc  leg*       Tetanus  hath  diverfc  reaibns  to  prove  this. 
Wei-  Chemnitius  a  Lutheranfaith ,  We  are  freed  from  the  Law  in 

€b^lm  C%*    regard  of  the  curfe  1  we  are  freed  from  the  Law  inregard  of  ju- 
£?S'Pl49  •     gificMtien-^'But  we  are  not  freed  from  the  obedience  of  the  Law: 
For  even  the  regenerate  orjuslifiedare  debters,not  to  thefieji  to 
Hve  after the  ftfi,  but  to  the  Spirit,  tower tifie  the  deeds  oft  ho 
fleft,RQm.$,ll. 

ChamUrm 


SEcr.<&'        TSeCbhjifinCMfhtt.  145 

ChamUrm  faith;  It  is  manifefi  by  the  thing*  fort-go*  Tmx.lib.i*. 
ing ,  that  an  exceeding  great  injury  id  done  w  ,   when  vet  cap.  6, 
Are  [aid  tt  denit  that  wee  art  bound  to  the  Law  before  ^4* 

god, 

Wherefore  if  Bellarmine  doth  hytow  thofe  which  fay^  that 
the  faithfuU  are  fubjetl  tt  no  law  before  qOD\   and  that  T*S* 
the  Decalogue  of  Mofes  doth  not  belong  tt  w ,  hee  flail 
have  m  not  adverfaries%   but  fellows  in  diluting  boldly  *- 
gainfl  fuch. 

Againe  :  The  fulfilling  of  the  Law  can  by  no  meanes  bee 
accounted  by  the  p*rt ,  bat  bj  the  whole'.  Fory  the  whole 
life,  not  fome  one  moment  thereof,  is  bound}  and  it  is  bound 
Jt  aU+  not  to  tne  :  Hence  the  faying  of  lames,  Bee  is  jbid.l*i.cap. 
guilty  of  aR  which  off>ndeth  in  one:  ^either  can  it  other-  n.Tb.it. 
wife  bee  under flood ,  becanfe  hee  is  not  guilty  of  murther  , 
who  doth  onelj  fteale ,  but  of  theft  onely  :  JTet  hee  is  gnil- 
tie  of  the  breach  of  that  whole  Law ,  part  whereof  u>  Thou 
/halt  not  fteale9  and  another  part  whereof ,  Thou  [halt  not 
*iff. 

Now  whereas  theadverfe  Antinomift  will  (I  fuppofe)  re- 
ply, all  this  is  not  Scripture:  I  doconfeflc,  that  thefe  words 
mlomany  letters  and  fyllables  are  not  in  the  Scripture:  Yet 
I  dare  avow  that  this  do -trine  of  the  La wes  binding  the  re- 
generate to  obedience,  being  the  doctrine  not  onely  of  oar 
Church,  but  of  all  other  Chriftian  Churches  (fome  few  con- 
tentious Sectaries  excepted,  who  deferve  not  the  name  of  a 
Church)  and  of  all  found,  fok'd,  and  ftibftantiall  Divines, 
is  the  expreffe  doctrine  of  facred  Scripture :  And  that  it  is  fo, 
I  will  now  manifeft,  and  make  perfpicuous  by  pregnant  pla- 
ces in  the  New  Teftament. 

Mat.} .i$,To,2l,&c  Chrifl camenot  to deflroy  theLawfiiC. 
Yeaheconffrmes  the  continuance  of  it  in  every  iota  or  tittle 
till  the  heaver*  be  no  more3and  prefleth  punctually  to  a  precife 
particular  oblervationof  it.  Rtm.  3.31.  Do  we  then  make 
void  the  Law  through  faith?  God  for  bid:  yea  we  eflaolifb  the 
Law,  Faith  therefore  doth  not  evacuate,  but  eftablifti  the  De- 
calogue. Rom.0}  7.  By  the  Law  we  come  to  the  knowledge  of 

L  awr 


14^  The  chrtpmt*  dhjtiti.         *^n  A>  .§. 

iHrfiH*(s,  Rom.J.l2.*$.  S.  Pa*ldc\i$\tedi*tbcL*t*  of  God 
~-witb  bis  mind  he  fervid  the  lav*  tf^od, 

I  Cor.Q.iX .'Btingnot witbtut  law  to  Gody  bm  under  the 
law  to  Chrisl.  Efb. 6.\yi.  Cbildrenobey  your  parent s<~H**oar 
thy  father,  dec. 

1  Tim .1 .5 uTbe end ofthe  commandementu charity  aut  of 4 
pure  be*rt,a»d  of  a  good  confcienceyand  of  faith  unfitted* 

lam.1.2.  Ifyoufulfilltberoyafl  law  of  liberty  >  &C.S  James 
flhewes  what  Law,  namely  the  Decalogue,  Do  not  commit 
tdnlterjy  &c.  Verf.t  1. 

1  Iob.2^  He  that  faith  I  l^now  him  and  keepeth  not  bis  com* 
manckments,  is  a  lyar. 

X  lohn  £.  4.  Sinne  is  the  tranfgreffion  of  the  Law.  Hence  I 
conclude*, 

1.  That  if  ever  the  Law  bound  the  regenerate  to  obedi- 
ence (which  I  fuppofe  they  will  acknowledge)  it  (till  dotb, 
Mat.i.i$.Rom.i.$t. 

2.  Thatfince  Chrift  Iefus  the  beft  expounder  of  Scripture 
doth  fb  copioufly  confirme  and  corroborate  the  Morall  Law  in 
bis  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  doth  peremptorily  pronounce  that 
the  breach  thereof  doth  defile  a  man,  Mar.  7.  20,  1 1 ,  &c.  and 
fo  qftcn  inculcate  that  the  keeping  of  the  commandements  is  a 
fure  and  infallible  figne  of  our  love  to  him4  lob.  14. 15,21 .23. 
24.  and  of  his  love  to  xss>  lob.i^.io. 

3 .  Since  faith  doth  not  fupplant,but  ftrengthen  the  law. 

4.  Since  the  holy  men  of  God  doe  often  urge  and  prefleto 
do  the  duties  commanded  in  the  Law  in  their  Epiftles  (which 
they  would  not  have  done, bad  not  regenerate  Chrift  ians  been 

*  bound  to  the  obedience  ofthe  fame.). 

5 .  Since  the  Apoftle  S.  Pan/  acknowledged  that  he  ferved 
the  Law  of  God  with  his  mind,  and  that  he  was  under  the 
Law  to  Chrift.  • 

6.  Since  the  Law  ofGod  bath  not  relirqdifhed  its  regality 
and  regiment,being  ftiled  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  the  royall  Law. 

7.  Since  by  the  Law  we  come  to  the  knowledge  of  finne ; 
yea,  and  all  finne  is  the  tranfgreflion  ofthe  Law. 

&  Since  the  carelefTe  contemners  and  tranfereflburs  of 

Gods, 


Ch  a*  .$.  Tie  ChrifHdn  flnjltft*  147 

©ods  Law  hate  no  communion  withGod,  noriaving  know- 
ledge of  him. 

£.  Since  the  end  of  the  commandement  is  charity,  &c« 
therefore  the  Law  is  no  enemy  to  purity  of  heart,  faith  un- 
fained,  or  Chriftian  liberty,  this  being  theroyall  Law-of  li- 
berty. 

I  may  warrantably  conclude  againft  the  abfurd ,  and  er- 
roneous ambiguous  Antinomifts ;  That  the  Law  of  God 
doth  binde  the  conference  of  the  regenerate  Chriftian  to 
dbedience. 

Furthermore ,  becaofe  I  fuppofe  thefe  cavillers  will  carpe 
againfl  all  thefe  allegations  as  inefficient  and  weake ,  be- 
Caufe  in  none  of  them  we  are  faid  to  be  bound  by  the  Law 
to  obedience.  I  will  therefore  fliew  them  thefe  exprefle 
words  in  facred  Scripmre ,  if  that  will  (atisfie  and  falve 
their  feduced  foiiles  ,  x  Corinth.  7. 15.  A  father  or  fiforis 
mot  under  bondage  in fuch  cafes ;  namely,  to  performe  matri- 
moniall  duties  tounbelievingyoke-fellowes  which  will  de- 
parr  from,  and  forfake  them  ,  Verf.  27.  Art  thou  bound  to 
m  vife  f  Seeke  not  to  be  too/ed.  Verf.  3  9 .  The  wife  is  bound  by 
the  Lit**,  04  long  at  her  hush  And  /svetb.  Hence  I  inferre,  That 
fince  the  Law  of  God  doth  binde  the  believing  husband  and 
wife  to  performe  all  manner  of  matrimoniall  duties  to  their 
unbelieving  ydke-fellowes  which  are  pleafed  to  dwell  with 
them,  and  that  fince  the  husband  and  wife  being  regenerate, 
arc  bound  by  the  Law  each  toother  fo  long  as  they  live  toge- 
ther ;  therefore  that  part  of  the  Law  which  doth  comprife 
and  comprehend  the  duties  of  husbands  and  wives  each  to  o- 
ther,  namely  the  fift  and  feventhcommandements,  doth  bind 
the  confeience  ofthe  regenerate  to  obedience;  therefore  either 
-all  the  Morall  Law  doth  bind,  or  els  that  this  branch  ofthe  fe- 
cond  Table  is  more  authenticall,  and  of  more  abfblute  authori- 
ty, not  only  than  all  the  fecond  Table  befides,  buc  alfo  than  the 
firft  Table;,yet  our  Saviour  faith  the  fecond  is  but  like  unto  the 
firftjftilingittheflrft  and  great  commandement,  Mtt.i 2. 3  8. 
Oh  that  I  could  perfwade  them  to  take  notice  how  they  con- 
£ont,contradidt,&  contend  againllthc  concordant  confeffions 

La  of 


of  the  reformed  Churches,  the  found,  folid,  and  fubftantiall 
truths  taught  and  defended  by  the  ancient  and  moderne  Wor- 
thiesjand  the  infallible  and  undeniable  truth  of  Gods  Word  ! . 
Oh  that  men  would  cordially  conHder  that  fueh  vile  and  vi- 
cious pofitions  make  men  unfit3not  onely  for  Chriftian,but  alio 
for  common  commerce  and  company  with  mankind  /    For, 
how  can  Kings  and  Princes  be  fecured  from  rebellion  of  fuch 
iubjeclrs?  How  can  matters  and  fathers  be  aflurcd  of  reverence 
and  obedience  from  fuch  children  and  fervants?  How  can  hus- 
bands and  wives  be  perfwaded  of  conjugall  love  and  fidelity 
from  fuch  yoke-fellowes  ?  How  can  traders  and  traffiquers 
be  afcertained  of  true  and  hone  ft  dealing  from  fuch  people* 
who  are  conceited  that  the  Law  of  God  doth  not  bind  them  to 
obedience?  Oh  that  thefe  beguiled  and  unliable  foules  would 
queftion  and  conferre  after  this  or  the  like  manner  with  their 
confeiences.  Tell  me  Conf  cience,are  not  murders,adulteries, 
thefts,  and  fuch  like  finnes,  and  why  ?   Tell  me  Gonfcience , 
how  thou  knoweft  that  lying,  fwearing,  evill  thoughts,  con- 
cupifcence  and  the  like,  are  finnes  ?    Tell  me  Confcience  , 
whence  is  it  that  thou  wilt  not  allow  meto{teale,.kill,  com-* 
mit  adulterie,  or  the  like?  And  their  con fciences(except  they 
lie  in  a  lethall  letbargie)  will  anfwer.  Not  onely  arc  thefts, 
murders,  and  adulteries  finnes,  but  aifo  covetous  defires,  un- 
advifed  anger,  and  luflfull  thoughts,  becaufe  they  are  a  tran£ 
grefHon  of  Gods  Law.    I  know  that  the  fore-named,  and  o- 
ther  workes  ofdarkeneffe  are  finnes,  becaufe  the  Law  of  God 
forbids  them.    And  I  dare  not  approve  of  the  doing  of  fiich 
like  things,,  becaufe  they  are  contrary  to,  and  condemned  by 
the  moftholy  and  heavenly  Law  of  God.    This  abject  ana 
abfurd  fboiiili  fancy  therefore  of  thefe  la wle fie  and  licentioas 
Antinomilts ,  The  Law  of  god  doth  not  bind  the  confidence  of 
the  regenerate  to  obedience ,   being  contrary  and  repugnant 
unto  theteftimony  of  all  orthodoxe  Churches ,  and  of  their 
learned  and  pious  Worthies  •   and  againft  the  fincere  and  fa- 
cred  Word  of  God :  fupplanting  and  fuppreffingfubtilly  and 
finfiilly  all  forts  of  focieties ,  both  Chrittian  and  common 
commerce  betwixt  man  and  man  j  and  being  gainefaid  by 

their 


Chap.  8.  T&e  CbrifUn  &*$&•  H9 

their  owne  confcienccs  ,  if  they  are  bat  illightened ,  is  a 
fbttifti  and  finnefull ,  a  falfc  and  filthy ,  a  ridiculous  and 
rotten ,  a  vile  and  vicious ,  an  untrue  and  unchriftian ,  a 

fiithlefle  and  fantaftkall  opinion,  poficion^  and  abiurdity.     , 


Chap.  VIII. 

Cbrijtun  faultier smufibe firing,  wherein  andwhj]  <-*       -«, 

WE  being  the  fouldiers  of  Chrift ,  that  we  may  warre 
a  good  warfare,  let  us  be  ftrong  in  the  Lord ,  and  in 
the  power  of  his  might,  Ephef  6.  1  o.  As  corporal  1  ftrength, 
and  bodily  abilities  are  neceflary  for  martiall  men,  and  a 
principal!  meanes  in  fuch  like  combats  to  obtaine  the  victory . 
Witnefle  Sauls  policie,  who  when  he  faw  any  ftrong  man, 
hetooke  him  to  him,  i  Sam.  14.  52.  Witnefle  that  match- 
lefle  mirrour  of  mankind  S*mfony  who. -flew  a  thoufand  men 
with  the  jaw  of  an  afle,  ludg*  15.15.  caried  away  the  gates  of 
Gaza,  Verf.  1 6.  And  pulled  down  the  houfe  upon  three  thou- 
landPhiliftines,  Ver.i  y.Witnes  the  commendation  of  Davids 
Worthies  for  their  might,  1  Sam.*}.  Witnefle  that  faying  of  • 
theGadites,!  Chron.  I2.8.  They  were  men  of  might  >  men  of 
warre ,  fitforthebattefi,  that  could  handle  (hie Id  and  buckler, 
whoft  faces  were  like  the  facet  of  Lions.  Witnefle  the  name  of 
the  place  where  the  young  men  of  hab  and  Abner  flew  each 
other, called  the  field  of  ftrong  men,  2  Sam.  2. 1 6.  And  wit- 
nefle thofe  fayings  in  the  Qanticles  3.  7.  Threefc  ore  ftrong  men 
about  Salomons  bed.  4. 4,  The  [hie  Id  of  ftrong  men.  So  in  the 
fpirituali  warfare  againftthe  enemies  ©four  (alvatkn,fpirituall 
ftrength  is  "an  excellent  and  a  neceflary  meanes  and  helpe 
for  Chriftian  fouldiers  to  guard  ^nd  defend,  to  fence ,  and 
fortifle  themasainft  the Divell  andhis  hellifh  complices.    i 

This  made  S.  Steven  &>  puiflant  and  invincible,  *Afts6+ 
2,  10. 

This  made  Paul  fo  couragious  to  confront  Elimas  the 
forcercr,  Alls  13.9,10.  to  conflict  with  the  Iewes,  and 

L  3  Philo* 


X50  The  chrifikn  Conflict.         Chap.8# 

Philofophers,  A'Stt  17*  r  7.  and  to  contemne  bonds  and  ^af- 
flictions, A&t\4>*6,  27. 

5.  This  enabled  him  to  doe  all  things  through  Chrift  that 
(lengthened  him,  Pbil4.1i* 

This  was  otiemeanes  whereby  thofe  young  men  1  lob.u 
14.  overcame  the  wicked  one. 

Hence  it  is  .that  the  Apoftle  Saint  PWftirres  up  the  Co- 
rinthian* to  be  ftrong,  1  Corinth.  l5. 1 5.  perfwades  the  E- 
phefians  to  be  ftrong  in  the  Lord,  Bphef,  6,  10  and  incites 
Timothy  to  be  ftrong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Chrift  lefts, 
iTimotbj  2. 1.  And  hence  it  is  that  the  Apoftle  Saiot  /V- 
ur  prayes  unto  the  Lord  to  ftrengthen  his  Church,  \Ttu 
5.  10. 

Be  we  therefore-ftrongin  the  Spirit,  or  in  the  precious  pre- 
vailing graces  of  Gods  faving  and  fan&ify  ing  Spirit,  fet  down 
and  fpecificd,  Ga  1. 5 . 1 1  ,&c. 

1.  Be  we  ftrong  in  love,  that  we  may  love 

Firft  God  in  .Chrift  for  hisowne  fake ,  yea  fo,  that  we? 
may  with  earneft  ardency. defire,  and  with  our  utmoft  endea-* 
vours  diligently  ftrive  iri  the  frequent  and  faichfull  ufe  of  the 
meanes  to  have  communion  with  God  :  And  that  we  may 
love  his  Word,  and  will  above  gold,  yea  above  much  fine 
gold,  ?[dA  1  p.  1 29.  and  beyond  expreffion,  Verf.97. 

Secondly,  And  our  neighbour  for  Gods  fake  •  yea  fo% 
that  we  may  fhew  love ,  and  doe  good  even  to  them  that 
wrong  and  abufe  us.  And  that  we  may  love  all  good  men 
efpecially,  becaufe  God  bearesa  fpeciall  affc&ion  towards 
them  ,  and  becaufe  they  have  in  them  whatfoever  is  amiable 
and  lovely. 

And  let  us  ftrive  to  be  fo  ftrong  in  this  Chriftian  love ,  that 
the  many  waters  of  the  greateft  force  and  violence  u(ed 
by  Tyrants  and  Tormentours  to  avert  and  turne  the  fame 
^  from  the  Lord,  may  not  quench,  put  out ,  or  overcome  it ; 
nor  the  flouds,  orliberallftore  of  the  overflowing  watersof 
deepe  and  grievous  afflictions  drowne ,  extinguish,  or  over- 
throw, Cd»t.$  7. 

%<  Be  we  ftrong  in  joy  y  that  divine  joy  which  commeth 

from 


C  h  a  p .  8.  7  be  ChriflUn  flmflifl.  1 5 1 

from  the  Lord,  and  is  placed  in  him,  Nehem.S.iG.  Where- 
by we  may  perfectly  joy  in  God  ,  in  that  joy  fall  workc 
of  our  regeneration ,  in  Gods  grace,  and  that  bleflcd  hope 
of  etemall  glory  with  him  ;  yea  io,  that  it  may  make  us 
to  joy  and  re  jo>  ce  at  the  good  and  welfare  of  others  f  Ram, 
12.  15.  Moderate  all  our  griefes  and  forrowes,  and  ina- 
ble  us  to  joy  even  in  tribulation* ,  Rothavs  j.  3.  They 
being  pledges  of  Gods  love ,  and  trials  of  our  faith  and  pa- 
tience. 

3.  Be  we  ftrong  in  peace,  that  fo  we  may  walke  mthc 
way  of  peace,  Rom.  3. 17.  Leading  quiet  and  peaceable  lives 
full  of  unity  and^good  agreement ,  avoiding  qua rrelfome  con- 
tentions ;  leeking  to  edifie  one  another  by  doing  or  taking 
good,  £#0.14.19.  and  labouring  to  live  void  of  cflfcnce  to 
God  and  man,  not  willingly  taking  nor  giving  offence. 

4.  Be  weftrong  in  long-fafFering,by  which  we  (halbe  ina- 
bled  to  mitigate  and  moderate  our  unadvifed  anger ,  and  dia- 
bolical difturbingdelires  of  revenge,  when  great  and  manifold 
wrongs  and  injuries  are  done  unto  us;  and  diligently  to  di£ 
charge  the  duties  of  our  Chrittian  callings,  with  painefiilneffe, 
profit,  and  without  partiality,  a  Tim^.z. 

5 .  Be  wc  ftrong  in  gentleneCfc,  that  fo  we  may  be  inabled 
to  give  good  fpecch ,  and  to  fhew  good  countenance  even  to 
them  that  wrong  and  abufeus,  without  intent  and^purpofeof 
revenge  ;  fo  that  we  naay  be  courteous  and  tradablc,ready  to 
give  mild  words,  eafie  to  be  intreated,and  to  be  Ipokcn  to,  apt 
to  pleafe,  loath  to  difpleafe  with  reafon. 

*  6.  Be  ftrong  in  goodneife ,  that  fo  we  may  become  benefi- 
.  ciall  and  helpefull  to  others  (after  Gods  example)  communi- 
cating to  them  the  good  things  that  are  in  us  for  their  good 
and  benefit. 

7.  Be  ftrong  in  faith  towards  God,  whereby  we  maybe 
certified  ofthe  remiflion  of  our  finnes,  of  our  reconciliation 
with  God,  in  Chrift,  and  depend  upon  the  Lords  providence 
for  food  and  raiment  in  the  ufe  of  lawful  1  meanes  1  And  to- 
wards man,  whereby  wc  may  be  faithfulland  juft  inobferving 
and  keeping  our  horift  word  and  promiies. 

L  4  8.  Be 


t5  *  The  chrifiUn  Conflict.         Chap  .8. 

8.  Be  wetlronginmecknefle  thaKo  we  may  yeeld  with 
a  quiet  and  willing  fubmiffion  of  our  judgements  and  affe&i- 
ens  to  the  rules  of  Gods  Word,  lames  i.si.  And  fufler 
abufes  and  injuries  from  men  without  defire  of  revenge,Co/, 
3.12,15. 

9.  Be  we  ftrong  in  temperance,  That  (6  we  may  be  en- 
abled to  ufe  the  outward  blcflings  of  LGod  with  moderation  of 
minde,  this  holding  us  backe  from  fuperfiuity,  and  excefle, 
and  caufing  us  rather  to  refrabe  from  that  we  may  doe,  then 
in  our  delights  and  pleafuresto  goe  fofarre  as  our  abilities,, 
eftates,  and  time  will  give  us  leave.  Which  moderation  is  a 
meanes  to  prevent  many  evills,  both  (ins,  and  putiiQiments  : 
For  by  moderating  our  appetite  in  meates  and  drinkes,  which 
ought  to  be  received  with  perpetuail  abftinence,  lefle  then  na-  - 
ture  defires  to  refre  fh  it,  and  to  fit  man  for  Gods  fervice ;  in 
apparell,cloathingour  felves  according  to  our  fexe,  the  recei- 
ved and  feemely  fafhion  of  our  countrey,  and  our  owne  abili- 
ty, in  getting  goods,  fo  that  we  reft  content  having  fufficient 
to  feede,  and  cloath  our  felves  and  ours ;  And  in  fpending  of 
the  fame  not  wailful!  y,riotoufl)r,  prodigally,  unthriftily,  tin* 
profitably,  injuftly,  injurioufly,  and  unneceffarily,  we  pre- 
vent many  fins,  as  glHttonic,drunkenneffe,whoredome,pride, 
covetoufnefle,prodigality,^r.  and  punishments,  as  difeafes 
of  the  body^cggeryjinfamyjfecurityjfenfualityjcurrejand  con- 
demnation, Pre.  2  3.  *!.//*.  5. 1 1,12,13,14. 

Pirft,  Although  the  greateft  part  of  men  therefore  are 
wholly  regard lefle  of,  if  not  contemners  of  this  fpirituall 
ft  re  ngth,  comforting,  and  contenting  themfelves  with  this, 
they,  are.  mighty  inpoweryhb  21 .7.  their  breads  Arefttllofmil\e% 
4»X  their bones are  moiflened with  marro^xv,2^.  the  re  are  n§ 
bands  in  their  death  Jbut  their  flrength  itfimte  •  yea  and  often- 
times are  ready  in  regard  of  their  corporall  force  and  abilities 
todifdaine,anddefie  GoiUh  like  the  fervaiits  of  the  living 
Lord.  Little  confidering,  That  although  bodily  ftrength  is  a 
blefilng'(therefore  nottobe  given  to  wine,or  women,P)r<\3 1. 
3.  therefore  to  be  imployedto  the  glory  of  God  the  giver) 
yet  it  is   1  But  a  cpmmon  bleffing,  whereof  QolUh  partakes 


Chap, 8.  Thechrift)anc*nfli£l.  ij$ 

as  well  as  Sampfon,  Sonnes  of  Belial  as  well  as  heires  of  bliflc. 
*  Yea  fuch  a  benefit  wherein  die  Vnicorue  whofe  flrength  is 
great  Job  32  ii.  the  horfe  who/e  necke  is  clothed  with  thunder, 
the  glory  of  whofe  noflriQs  is  terrible,  who  pant  th  in  the  vaUey% 
and  rejoycetb  in  bis  flrength,  going  onto  me  etc  the  armed  many 
who  mocketh  atfeare,  and  ts  not  *  frighted,  neither  turneth  back^ 
from  the  /word,  2 1.    The  Behemoth  whofe  flrength  is  in  his 
loinetinnd  his  force  in  the  navtli  of  hit  belly  y  whofe  bones  are  as 
Prong  pieces  of  brafei  and  like  bars  of  iron ,  Chap.4©.l6.&C 
The  Leviathan,  whofe  fight  is  able  to  cat!  one  downe,  whom  even 
thefiercefi  dares  notflirre  upjn  whofe  necke  remaineth  flrength, 
when  he  rmifeth  np  bimfelfe  the  mighty  are  afraid,wboe$leemcth 
iron  as  fir  aw,  and  bra(fe  as  rotten  wood,  Chap.  4 1  .p,  I  o,  i  i ,  I  2, 
&c.  notonely  equalize  but  farreexcell  them.    3  Therefore 
not  amiable  to  the  Lord,  who  delighteth  not  in  the  ftrength  of 
the  horle,  nor  taketh  pleafure  in  the  legs  of  a  man,  *Pfal.  ?  47* 
10,  And  therefore  no  caufe  of  glorying  ;  For  thus  faith  the 
Lord,  let  not  the  mighty  man  glory  .hi  his  might,  Jeremy 
9.  23. 

Secondly,  Although  too  too  many  reft  fatisfied  in  their  fpi- 

riruall  weakneflc,  being  alwaies-babes^  fuch  as  have  need  of 
nrlke,  andnotofftrongmeate,  whereas  for  their  time  they 

outfit  to  be  teachers,  like  thofe  the  Apoftle  reproves,  1  Cor. 

3.2.&c.Heb.$.i2. 
Little  confiderin£,  that  although  in  Chriits  Fold  there  are 

lambes,in  Chrifts-Orcbard  there  are  plants,  in  Chrifts  Family 

there  are  babes  ;  yet  that 

1  •    Chrifts  lambes  are  of  bis  rlocke ,  hearing  his  voice,  and 

following  his  precept  and  practifc,M.  10.27.  and  therefore 

grow  in  grace,2/V/.  3  18. 

a.  That  Chriits  plants  are  like  trees  planted  by  the  waters 

fide  which  bring  forth  fruit  in  their  tetfonyPfaL  1.3.  and  (till 

bring  forth  fruit  in  old  zge,Pfal.$i.i  3 , 

3. That  babesin  Chrilt  defirc  thefincerc  milkof  the  Word, 

and  grow  thereby,  1  Pet  2.2. 
Little  confidering  that  althongh  weake  faith,iftrue,is  pow- 

erfuil  and  available  becauk  it  is  faith,  and  the  promifes  are 

made. 


154  The  chrifthn  CmjliB.  •       Chap.8. 

made  to  it  becaufe  it  is  faith,  and  it  is  the  fame  with  ftrong 
faith,  i  In  regard  of  nature,  though  not  in  regard  of 
the  ftrength,  as  a  babe,  and  a  gyant.  2  In  regard  .of  quality, 
though  not  quantity,  as  a  drop  of  water,  and  a  river.  3  In 
regard  of  property,though  not  proportion ;  as  a  little  veflell, 
and  a  great.  4  In  regard  of  the  ufe,  though  not  the  power,  as 
apalfiehandandafteddie:  yet  that  this  faith  is  of  a  growing 
nature,#**i,i.i7. 

Little  confidering  that  thofe  defires  of  grace  which  are 
grace,  which  God  will  fulfill  and  fatisfie,  JMtttku.  are 
conftant,  lively,  operative,  growing  from  defire  to  endea- 
vour, from  endeavour  to  aclion. 

Yet  all  you  fouldicrs  of  this  good  warfare 

1 .  Daily  and  diligently  diet,fatiate,  and  fatisfie  your  fbules 
with  that  fweet,  and  wholefome  heavenly  food,  and  Manna 
fweeterthen  hony,andthehony-combe,P/4/.ip.  by  reading, 
hearing,  meditation,  and  conference  ;  That  as,  although  wee 
have  but  few  markets  in  a  weeke,  yet  with  fuch  provifion  we 
provide  both  there  and  at  home,we  duly  and  daily  ftablii"h  and 
ftrengthen  our  bodies  vigour  and  abilities :  So  although  wee 
have  not  many  market  daiesin  the  weeke  for  our  foules,  yet 
with  that  fpirituall  repaft  we  then  ftore  our  felvcs,  and  with 
fiich  private  provifion  we  are  furnifhed  withall,  let  us  daily 
and  diligently  fortifieand  ftrengthen  our  foules  in  the  Lord, 
and  in  the  gifts  and  graces  of  his  fpirir. 

2.  Vfcandexercife  is  a  meanes  to  continue,conrirme,and 
augmentthe  vigour,  and  forces  of  foule  and  body.  Vfe  legs, 
and  have  them,exercife  ftrength  and  have  it ;  So  exercife  faith, 
lovc,peace,joy,  patience,^* .  and  have  themefFe&uall,and  in- 
creafing. 

3.  Refiftand  remove  all  manner  of  fins,  the  foules  fick- 
nefle,  hindering  and  much  hurting  its  health,  ftrength,  and 
vigour.  ' 

4.  Pray  unto  God,  from  whom  all  our  fuirlciency  is,2  £V. 
35.  without  whom  we  can  doe  nothing,  lob.i$  5 .  by  whom 
we  may  do  all  things,?  Ai/,4.1 3 .  To  ftrengthen  us ;  for  begi- 
vetb power  to  tkef**nt,&ejfa40.29% 

S*  And 


Ch  a  p  ,  J.  Tfje  chriflian  C*nfli£l.  I  y  y 

5-  And  waitc  upon  the  Lord,  //i.40.31.  for  they  that 
waite  *p0*  the  Lord  [hall  renew  their  ftrength,  they  (hall  mount 
ftp  wub  wings  at  Eagles, the)  (hallrnnne,  and  not  be  wearie,  they 
[hall  walke  and  not  faint. 

That  fo  we  may  be  ftrong  in  the  Lord,and  the  power  of  his 
might,  Ephef.6. 10. 

That  fo  wee  may  doe  all  things  through  Chrift  which 
ftrengtheneth  us,  Phil^.i^. 

That  fo  we  may  be  ftrengthened  with  all  might  according 
to  his  glorious  power  unto  all  patience,and  long-furYering  with 
Joyfuilnefle,CV.i.ii. 

That  fo  wee  may  bee  ftrong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Chrift, 
lTim.2.1. 

That  fo  we  may  overcome  the  wicked  one,  1  /0&.2.14. 

This  being  one  prime  and  principall  prefervative  to  patro-  ^Motive  il 
nife  and  protect  our  felvesagainft  the  pollicies,  power,  and 
puiffance  of  ourinraged  foes. 

2.  This  being  one  primarie  potent  meanes  to  profper  and 
prevaile  againft,  to  batter  and  beate  downe  the  furious  forces 
of  our  formidable  and  fearefull  foes. 

3.  This  being  the  peculiar  peerelefle  priviledge,  and  pre- 
rogative of  Gods  precious  ones,  not  common  to  bruit  beafts 
and  men  of  this  world. 

4.  This  being  fa rre  more  heroicall,  magnificent,  and  ho- 
nourable, farre  more  profitable,  neceflary  and  excellent  to 
a  Chriftian  fbuldier  then  all  bodily  ftrength  and  abilities. 

For  had  we  the  ftrength  of  Shi  once  Earle  of  Gloccfter,  HQKinJb.p.471 
who  with  an  hedge  (lake  Hew  17  Saxons  which  fubtilly  had 
ftabbed  460  Britifh  Lords. 

Had  we  the  ftrength  of  hhnConrcyt,  who  with  oneftroke 
fmote  through  an  helmet  into  a  block  that  none  could  pull  out 
the  fwordagaine  himfelfe  excepted. 

Had  we  the  ftrength  of  He8or,  ^Achilles,  and  thofe  other 
Trojan, and  Grecian  Worthies,  of Hercules,  and  all  other  re- 
nowned for  might. 

Had  we  the  ftrength  of  Goliahihc  weight  of  whofe  coate 
Was  fire  thoufand  fhekells  of  brafie,  the  ftafre  of  whofe 

fpeare 


i\6  TfochrifttiftCnfid.  Chap.8.' 

fpeare  was  like 'a  weavers  beame,  and  the  head  of  his  lpearc 
weighed  fix  hundred  fhekels  of  iron,i  Sam.  17.^,7. 

Had  we  the  bodily  abilities  of  Sampfon,  David,  and  all  his 
mighty  Worthies. 

feo.ff,4.  Had  we  the  ftrength  of  Giants  who  are  called  Hanuephi~ 

#»becaufe  theyafFright,anda(tonifh  men  with  their  fice*. 

Had  we  the  fained  forces  of  *Atlasy  who  is  for  his  ftrength 
ftined  to  beaie  up  the  heavens  with  his  ftioulders. 

Had  we  the  ftrength  of  Horfes,  Lyons,  Vnicornes,  Ele- 
phants,yea  of  all  the  beads  of  power,  and  men  of  might  that 
ever  the  earth  did  beare,  and  the  fun  fa w:  yet  that  fpirituall 
flrength  doth  far  ftrpaffe  and  fiirmount  thefe  imaginary  bodi- 
ly forces  although  they  were  reall. 

For  what  can  thefe  availe  againft  the  worlds  vanities,  fins,' 
fubtilties,and  Satans  temptations?  Nothing  at  all.  For  our  ene- 
mies are  not  fled*  and  bloud,  but  fpirituall  wickedneffes  ,•  and 
therefore  out  ward  proweffe,  date-policy,  warlike  fuhtilty, 
troupes  of  armed  men,dint  of fword,nor  flrength  of  body  can 
daunt  or  difaearten,  appale  or  annoy  them,  orkeepeusfafe, 
and  protecl  us  from  them.  Fortooppofe  thefe  fpirituall  ene- 
mies with  the  power  of  flefti,  is  to  fet  parched  draw  and  ftub- 
ble  againft  the  (laming  fire. 
Hear*  Saint  Chryfofiome  fpeake  of  this  matter. 
We  are  not  therefore  ftrong  becaufe  we  have  lufly  andfiurdi* 
bodies:  But  he  only  is adorned  with  this  vertue  {although  he  lie 
upon  his  bed)  who  is  mighty  in  inward gracet  or  venues,  which 
being  wanting  although  otherwife  a  man  isfurnifhed  withfuch 
flrength  of  body  that  he  can  pluck?  up  *  mountaine,yet  I  will  not 
fay  that  he  ii  more  fir  ong  or  mighty  then  a  may  den,  orafickly  old 
woman:  for  he  that  ufumifhedwith  inward  graces  dvth  skir~ 
mijl  with  incorporeal  orinvifible  vices  and  enemies, whereas  this 
man  dares  not  take  a  view  of  them.  What  can  ye  fuppofed  to  bee 
more  fir  ong  then  this  woman  which  ft  ands  agaiHft  with  a  valiant 

€$ry/7?Mf.T9.  **™A  the  tyranny  of  nature,  the  force  of  famine,  the  threats  of 

**x£*r.$.  '    death^ndoveretrnmetb them *ll* 


V-H  HP.0.  Tbt  Chrijlttn  Conflict.  I  j  y. 

Chap.   IX. 
7"£*  Chr%ftUn  fouldionr  mnfl  be  coxragiiw,  DurfAl 

A  Re  we  the  fouldiersof  Chrift  Iefus,  we  ought  therefore 
to  be  valiant,and  couragious.  Martiall  men  muft  be  men 
of  mighty  minds :  LMofes  therefore  chargeth  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  the  lfraelites,  and  his  fiicceffcur  lofluab  who  were 
deputed  to  the  vvarre  to  bee  of  a  good  courage,  not  to  feare, 
nor  to  be  afraid,  D enu  31.6,7.  The  fame  charge  the  Lord 
gave  to  /oy$**&  againc,  andagaine,  /<?£.  1.6,7.  Be  of  a  good 
courage,  fa  not  afraid,  neither  fa  then  difmaid^&c \  Men  of 
courage  are  men  for  cor.flid,  and  for  corqueft :  The  courage 
of  a  few  valiant  men,  and  valourous  mindes  fupplies  fb  the 
want  of  number,  that  though  they  be  but  few  they  dread  not 
the  faces  of  many.  2)az/*Watchieved  many  mighty,  and  great 
exploits,  2  Sam.2  3.  by  the  courage  of  his  valiant  Worthies. 
Whereas  timorous,  and  trembling  fouldfers  (as  well  as  faint 
and  feeble)  are  unfit  for  military  profeflion.  Hence  was  it 
that  the  Lord  himfelfe  ordained  it  for  a  law,  that  the  feareful  J, 
and  faint-hearted  fhould  returxe  home  from  the  wa^ ;  leaft 
by  their  fainting  cowardife  they  rout  and  ruine  the  reft, 
Deut .20.8.  Therefore  it  was  not  without  caufe  that  politique 
and  prudent  commanders  have  ever  by  notable  examplcs,poli-- 
tique  inft ru&ions,  and  pra&ifes  endeavoured  to  make  their 
fou!diersvalianr,and  noble-minded,  to  advance  their  coura- 
ges to  attempt  and  atchicve  naoft  high  and  honourable 
thingsjthey  well  know  ing  that  a  few  couragious  men  to  great 
armies  of  cowards  are  like  fo  many  Lyons  to  whole  heards  of 
deare. 

Ghriftian  valour,  and  fpirituall  courage  is  much  more  need- 
full  to.Chrilts  feuldiers  both  in  regard  orour  dulnes,  and  back- 
*vardnelTe,andtimoroufneiTeto  all  pious  and  good  duties,  as 
alfo  in  regard  of  the  great  and  manifold  oppositions  which  we 
fhall.furely  meete  withall  for  the  rowfing  up  of  ourowne 
dulneffc  tgholy  and  heavenly  duties,  and  ftat  wC  may  fiejar 

under 


15*  The  chriflUn  CcnJUlt.         Cm  a* 'jfi 

tinder  Chrifts  banner  againft  fo  many  mighty,  malicious, 
and  fubtill  enemies  with  conftaney  and  continuance.  Wc 
nouft  bee  of  a  valorous  couragious  minde  againft  all  our  ene- 
mies, (landing  ftoutly  againft  them,  and  bidding  defiance'  to 
them,  I  Cor.  1 6 , 1  $ .  £htit  jour  f elves  UJte  men .  Sphef.6t  I  o. 
Stand  therefore.  This  being  necdfull  in  warre  againft  flefh  and 
bk>ud,is  much  more  neceflary  in  warre  againft  fpirits  and  fpi- 
rituall  wickedneffes,  ';        i 

r.  Whence  it  it  that  many  faint  and  flexible,  corrupt  and 
cowardly  Chrrflians  defert  devotion,  relirwpiQi  religion,  cor- 
rupt conscience,  fupprefle  facred  fincerity  and  fan&ified  (*ric% 
ne(Fe,p.ervert  piety,are  pliant  to  prophaneflc/orfake  their  for- 
mer rervour,andfirft  love,yeeld  them^Ives  vanquifhed  vaflTalt 
to  their  vicious  conquerours,andfhyifliiy  fwimme  downe  the 
corrupt  current  of  the  times  diforders,  making  their  conditi- 
on by  their  wretched  relapfes  worfe  then  if  they  had  nerer 
knownethewaiesofrighteQufnefle,2fVf,2»ii  ?  Is  it  not  for 
want  of  courage?. 

2.  Whence  is  it  that  many  timorous  and  trembling  Chrifti- 
ans  droop,and  dare  not  defend,  much  lefTe  dignifie  the  honou* 
rable  and  noble  peerelefTe  caules  of  Gods  precious  people, 
and  their  Lord  Iehovah  bleffed  for  ever ;  dread  to  repugne 
and  refill,  much  more  to  ruinate  and  reprefife  the  infolent, 
and  inlupportable  inordinate  abominations  of  Belials  bafeand 
hellifti  brood,  thereby  unworthily  betraying  (fo  farreasin 
them  lieth)  through  their  pufillanimous  timiditie  (propt  and 
protected  with  pretences  of  moderation  and  difcretion)  the 
inculpable. caufes  and  credits  of good  men,  andmra^ing  and 
incouraging infatuated  and  infernall  fooles  in  their  extrava- 
gant and  execrable  diforders  ?  is  it  not  for  want  of  cou- 
rage? 

?.  Whenceisitthat  many  fearefull  and  formidable  Chri- 
stians arc  appaled  and  affrighted  from  the  propagating  and 
promoting  of  Chrifts  caufe,  and  the  praclicall  profeffion  of 
Chriftianity,  like  Salomons  (laggard, with  the  Ijonsin  thevttyi 
So  that  they  dread  tofeeme  more  forward,  or.  to  goc  a  ftcp 
Amber  in  the  duties  ofpiety  aad  religion  then  their  negligent, 

if 


Cha*;?;  rl$cbriJH4*C*nfi&  IS 9 

if  not  prophanc,Jicighbours.  Or  ifthey  follow  Chrift,  and  hit 
faithfull  flocke,yct  k  is  as  the  Ifradites  followed  Saul,  i  S*m. 

1 5^7.  trembling? 

m  Surely  from  the  cowardly  puullanimity,  and  faint-  hearted 
timidity  predominant  and  prevailing  in  the  faithleffe  hearts  of 
fome,  and  the  foulcs  cf  others  who  are  but  weake  and  wave- 
ring beirg  babes  in  Ghriflianity. 

i. Let  me  perfwade  and  prefle  you  forward,Chriftian  Magi- 
ftrates,  which  are  as  the  gcneralls,  andchiefe  Captaines  in  this 
Chriftian  warfare  to  be  couragious,  Dem.  31.6.  Doe  you  fay 
with  heroicall  NcbemUb  6. 11. faA/ncb  a  man  at  I  amfleefDo 
not  you  dread  to  confront,  and  controle  defpifers  and  deriders 
of  Gods  people  &  rcligion,although  they  be  fuch  asSantafaty 
Tcbiahyox  (jcfhemyNeb.  i.i9,io.Do  you  walke  undauntedly  in 
that  pious,and  praife-worthy  path  wherein  good  King  David 
continually  exercifid  himfelfe,/Y".ioi.  Do  not  yon  beare  Gods 
fword  in  vaine,but,as  the  Miniflersof  God,take  vengeance  on 
them  that  do  evill  ,./?0«m  3.4.Astherfbreyou  ought  not  indifc 
ferently  to  terrifie  all,good,and  evil!  :or  afflict  well-doers,  this 
being  an  abufe  of  power;&  it  is  equally  abomination  unto  God 
tocondemne  an  innocent,or  to  juftifie  the  wicked :  So  neither 
inuft  you  through  carelcfheffe  or  feare  neglect  to  convert 
your  power  of  punifhingtothe  hinderance  of  enormities  ; 
for  by  impunity  finne  will  waxe  impudent  and  fruitful]  ; 
And  with  God  it  is  much  one  whether  one  bee  a  doer  of 
evill,  or  no  hinderer,  and -lb  a  confenter  and  fofterer.  Bee 
you  therefore  men  of  courage  to  fuppreffe  evill  deeds,, 
and  doers,  who  with  their  malice  oft  have  might, and  potent 
friends. 

a  .You  Miniflersof  Gods  Wond,  which  are  the  chariots, 
andhorfemen  of  Ifrael,be  ycu  couragious,like  Chri(t,our  Ma- 
tter ,his  Prophets,  ler,  1 . 1 y.£*,ek.x6u  and  Apoftlcs,/4tf  .4.1 3; 
Preaching  the  ficred  Word  of  God  impartially,  without  re- 
aped of  perfons  fpar ing  neither  great  nor  fmall ;  but  telling  ail 
men  oftheir  duty  :Declaring  the  whole  truth  of  God,concea- 
ling  bo  part  therof  for  feare,or  favour,dar  gcr,or  reward,  AH* 
29*27.  reprooving  fin  with  all  authority,  fo  that  ftubborne 

and. 


and  fliffe-nedced  finnersmaybe  made  to  tremble,  Tit.i.rj* 
not  daunted  with,  nor  dreading,  but  difregarding  and  defpi- 
•fingall  reviling  'reproaches,  and  (hamefull  difgraces  for  the 
pious  and  profitable  performance  of  your  high  and  honourable 
calling.That  fo  you  may  not  by  your  timerous  faint-hearted nes 
'  be  quailed,  much  lefle  be  trampled  under  by  fierce,  impudent, 
andviolent  people.  But  that  by  our  cariage  in  declaring  out 
meffage  from  our  Matter  freely,  we  may  daunt  theftouteft 
hearts,  and  difmay  the  proudeft  oppofers. 

3.  Let  us  all  fellow-Chriftian  louldiers  be  couragious  in 
Chrifts  caufe  in  this  our  fpirituall  warfare.  And  becaufe  I 
know  it's  more  than  needfull  to  kindle,  quicken,  and  increafe 
in  you  (what  I  can)  this  true  fpirituall  valour  and  magnanimi- 
ty; I  will  propofe  unto  you  the fe  following  incouragements 
to  withftand  couragioufly  and  manfully  our  (pirituall  foes. 

1.  Cowardife  hath  beene  condemned  as  odious  and  op- 
probrious to  all  forts  of  people  in  times  pad  and  gone.  The 
Scottifh  women  of  Annandale  flew  their  owne  husbands  ( in 
the  time  of  Corbreid  Gald)  becaufe  they  cowardly  fled  from 
the  Romans.  The  Perfian  women  met  their  husbands  and 
children  running  away  from  Ajiyages  armies,  in  treating  them 
-  to  returne  to  fight,  and  to  move  them,  they  uncovered  their 
bodies,  and  asked  whether  they  would  run  into  the  worabes 

JuftiHlib.9.      of  their  wives  and  mothers.    The  women  of  Ltconia,  their 
fonnes  going  to  the  warres,  received  of  them  ftiields  with  this 

irtu  *  \<m\  tit.     infeription,  Either  tbuy  §r  upon  this ;  either  bring  jhome  this, 
or  be  brought  home  upon  it ;  by  no  meanes  run  away, 

That  famous  Captaine  Tamer lane  did  punifh  nothing  fo  le- 
verely  as  cowardife  ;  iniomuchthatif  any  turned  from  a  wild 
beaft  in  hunting,  or  an  enemy  in  fight ,  he  was  fure  to  die 
for  it. 

Ltb.f-eap.t-  Herc*l?s(faith  Sir  Walter  Ranlehh)  liked  not  the  facrifice 

of  a  coward.  Aanibal  (being  to  fight  againft  the  Romans  in 
Afriefue)  commanded  his  Captaines,  that  if  tbey  fa w any  flee- 
ing, they  fhould  account  them  as  enemies,  and  kill  them.  And 
the  Romans  which  fled  from  the  (laughter  at  Canna,  after  they 
came  home  9  were  rejeded  and  banifhed  as  falfe-hcarted 

cowards : 


^  h  a  f  .p.  the  cmtpun  conjlta.  I6i 

cowards:  yea  many  famous  Captaines  have  refuted,  though 

offered  for  little  or  no  ranfome,  fuch  fouldiers  which  fuflfered 

themfelvcs  to  bee  taken  captive.      It  was  an  ufe  among  the 

Spartans  that  whefoever  fled  out  of  the  battcll  were  adjudged 

infamous,they  were  to  be  diftingirifaed  from  other  citizens  by 

their  apparell  and  beards ;  it  was  lawfull  for  any  man  tobeatc 

thepi paifing by;  neither  was  it  lawfull  for  them  tojnarry  tC4rtCyw^]  u 

wiveSjC^-iaith  firm.  *  1 17% 

Iscowardifeandfaint-heartedneffe  in  thefe  combates  and 
corflicls  betwixt  men  and  men  (of  no  great  coniequence  iii 
companion  of  this  other)  fo  difdainefull  and  difgracefull;hovr 
much  more  then  in  this  fight  and  quarrell  againft  fuch  enemies, 
we  having  acaufe  fo  comfortable,  aCaptaine  fo  couragious 
and  conquering,  foes  fo  feeble,  and  often  foiled,  armour  fo 
availeable,and  approoved,and  a  reward  propounded  and  pro- 
mifed,which  is  incomparable  and  incomprehenfible  ? 

2.  Honourable  death  by  valour  hath  beene  more  delight- 
ful! and  acceptable  to  worthy  warriours,  thanabafe  lite  by 
covvardife.  They  had  this  maxime  amongft  magnanimous 
martiallmen,  That  fouldier  is  more  glorious  which  isflaine 
in  warre,  than  he  which  is  faved  by  flight.  Earle  Stwtrd  Holinjb.p.i^i. 
hearing  his  fonne  to  be  flaine ,  asked  in  what  part  ?  Anfwer 
being  made,  in  the  forehead :  I  re/oyce  (laith  he)  with  all  my 
heart;  I  would  not  wifti  to  my  fonne  or  felfe  a  better  death. 
Soljmtn  the  Turke  having  taken  Suda  in  Hungry  flew  thofe 
700  perfidious  cowardly  fouldiers,  who  bafely  betrayed  the 
city  into  his  hands ;  but  he  offered  great  honours  to  the  valiant 
Captaine  Htdafttu  whom  he  found  bound  by  his  fouldiers  be- 
caufe  he  would  not  yecld  to  deliver  up  the  city ;  he  choofing 
rather  death  with  honour,thcn  life  by  covvardife.  Preferre  wc 
therefore  loflfe  oflife,and  liberty,  lofle  of  reputation  and  reve- 
nue with  couragious  Chriftian  conftancy  in  Chrifts  caufe  be- 
fore the  higheft  pitch  and  period  qf  worldly  felicities  with  co- 
wardly condifcendi  g  to  curfed  corruptions.  This  comfortable 
&  couragious  refolution  was  in  Peter  &  lobn>  Att^xg.vthetker 
tt  (re  right  1*  the  fakt  ofGodjo  obey  Ged  or  m*n  judgej oh ,Th\$ 
magnanimous  mind  was  iYiP**lyAtt.i\.iiJ 4mre*djn*t  t§  fo 

M  found i 


of  Chrifl:  Iefus.  Bewetfactefore  men  of  mighty  minds,  trwly 
couragious. 
moMvJb.p.479  Anfwer  we  our  fpirituall  enemies  (as  that  famous  CaJ/i&r 
lane  a  Brittanc  anfwered  G<sfar9t  have  not  yet  learned  to  Itve  in 
fervitude^ut  to  defend  the  liberty  of  my  toitntry  vntb  weapon  in 
band)  we  have  not  yet  learned  to  live  in  hellifh  flavery,  but  to  ' 
defend  the  rights  and  liberties  of  our  heavenly  countrey  with 
eur  fpirituall  weapons.  Purfue  and  fight  againft  the  enemies  of. 
our  loules  &  falvation  as  dreadleffe  of danger,as  regardleffe  of 
refpite,  reft,  and  rcfiftance,  as  contemptuous  of  corrupt  con- 
tentments^* defirous  of  vi^ory,  and  with  as  couragious  mag- 
nanirnity,as  that  renowned  Epirot  Scanderbeg  did  who  fought 
fo  fearekfly  and  fiercely  for  his  countrey  fake  againft  their  tur- 
bulent and  truculent  enemies  the  Turks  with  his  armebare,till 
the  blond  burft  out  at  his  lips  t  That  was  his  honour,  This  will 
be  ours. 

3.  Never  did  cruell  Mahomet  exercife  fuch  tragicall  ter- 
Tour(yet  he  caufed  eight  principall  Commanders  of  Scander- 
beg  to  be  fleycd  alive,in  which  lamentable  and  languishing  con- 
>  dition  they  continued  15  daies  and  then  died)  Never  did  la- 
vage Sclimus  execute  fuch  tyrannicall  tortures  (yejt  he  contra- 
ry to  his  covenanted  conditions  flew  all  the  feuldiers  of  Qyrnz^. 
and  caufed  the  Captaine  to  be  tortured  to  death  in  a  hogfhead 
©f  nailes.)  Never  did  Turk  or  Tartar,or  the  moft  favage  tiger- 
like Scithian  in  the  world  fo  terribly  tortureand  torment  with 
fuch  virulence  and  violence  their  captivated  foes,  as  Satan  and 
his  curfed  complices  do  thofe  whom  they  fubdue  and  vanquifti 
by  fraud  or  force ifor  what  arc  ftranglings  and  ftrappadoes, 
what  are  poverty  and  irnpriforjmenf,what  are  Mayings  &  fires, 
what  are  faintnefle  and  famines,what  are  rackings  and  rending 
the  flefh  joynt  by  joynt ;  yea  what  are  all  earthly  tortures  and 
torments  devifeablc  by  man  or  divell  in  regard  of  thofe  unut- 
terable, unconceivable,  and  therefore  more  then  intolerable 
(yet  muft  they  be  cndured)tormenta|Where  the  worme  never 
dies,and  the  fire  ever  burneth,  the  fure  and  certaine  ftipend  of 
diofcwhom^atanfoilethj  Ntceffity  puts  vigour  and  valour 

into, 


Chap.£.  TbeCbriftitnCdnflilt.  i6j 

into,  adds  courage  and  conftancy  to  the  halre-conquered,  an^ 

almoftvanqwfhedjhopelefTe,  and  defperate  man :  therefore 

prudent commanders,to  make  their  (buldierscouragious,have 

taken  away  all  hope,and  meancs  of  flight  from  their  fouldiers, 

placing  them  fo  that  they  fhould  have  their  enemies  before 

tfhem,  fome  rivers,  deepe  ditches,  or  inaccefliblc  mountaines 

behind  them:  or  placing  the  mod  fearefull  in  the  forefront,the 

mod  valiant  behind  to  compell  them  to  fight,  and  hinder  their 

flight.    Thus  Ddrius  leading  his  army  into  SjrU  caufed  the  ^ngensttlum 

bridge  by  which  they  patted  to  be  throwne  dovvne  to  take  a-  *"*£*"• 

way  all  hope  of  running  away.  Thus  AgathocUs  having  tranC 

ported  his  army  into  Afiic^e  burnt  his  {hips  to  make  them 

know  that  they  muft  manfully  fight  or  elfe  die.     When  all 

way  of  flight  is  (topped  the  bafeit  fouldier  will  rather  die 

with  glory  in  the  front  of  the  battel!,  then  flie  and  bee  killed 

with  ignominy:  So  true  a  Miftrefle  of  hardy  refolution  k 

defpaire. 

Behold  urgent  neceffity  islaidtrpon  us  tocaft  away  cowar- 
dife,and  to  play  the  men ;  yea  woe  to  u%  if  we  yeeld  to  our 
exaiperate  a(Tailants,and  unwearied  foes.Thoie  who  are  over- 
come are  perpetuall  (laves  to  Satan  that  malicious  enemy, who 
will  hold  them  with  everlafHag  chaines  under  darknetfe  in 
torture  and  tormentSjeafcleflejand  endleffe,  merciletTe  and  re- 
tnedileife. 

4.  If  we  are  valiant  we  (hall  vanquHh,if  we  are  couragioue 
we  {hall  conquer,  if  we  p!ay  the  men  we  (hall  prevaile.  The 
Divel  owr  grand  enemy  is  like  a  Woolfe ;  1  in  ficrcenefle^he 
aiore  fiercely  availing,  more  eagerly  purfoing,  moreeafily 
prcvailing,and  more  greedily  devouring, when  he  is  fearefnlly 
fhunned  and  yeelded  unto,  a  in  fearefull neffe,  heihamefully 
flying  when  ftoutly  refitted,  faw.4.  j.Reft/l  the  Diveil^  and  hee 
»$Bflie;  ftand  therefore  oouragioufly,  andfbnd  vic"terioufiy  ; 
All  our  enemies  arc  daunted,  and  difmayed  with  the  ttout 
(landing of  Chriftsfouldiers,  as  well  as  heartned  with  their  ti- 
moroufnefTe.TheboUneiTe  oiPettr  and  Mn  amafed  their  po- 
tent perfecutors,  ^#.4.1 3.  who  would  not  therfore  be  valiant 
in  this  warfare,  where  valour  gives  victory,  where  courage 

M  %  quel* 


quels  the  adverfary,  and  gives  fpirit  and  vigour  to  other  more 
faint-heartcd,yet  fellow  fbuldicrs, 

5.  Call  to  rnind,and  cordially  confider  of  (you  ChrifHan 
fbuldiers)  the  fundry  and  feverall  parts  and  pieces  of  the  ar- 
mour of righteoufnes,  wherewith  you  are  and  muft  be  fenced; 
Thefe  our  weapons  are  impregnable  :  This  our  armour  is  pre- 
vailing,they  are  fafe  and  fure,who  will  ufe  it,for  they  (liall  ne- 
ver fall,i  Pet. 1  jo  .By  this  they  overcome  the  world,  r  hb.^m 
4.  and  are  more  then  conquerours,#0w.8.37.This  our  armour 
is  n Dtdefe&ive,of  infumcient,but  complete,  and  entire,  Efh. 
6.1$  .yet  not  one  piece  for  the  backe  parts,  to  foe  w  and  figni- 
fie  that  armed  Chriftians  are  couragious,  and  that  cowardly 
Chriftians  which  turne  their  backs  are  naked  and  Uijfenfed,ancf 
lie  opento  every  divelifh  dart  (hot  from  Satan,  'and  other  fpi- 
rituall  enemies  of  their  foules. 

d.  And  why  (O  you  Chriftian  fouldiers  of  Chrift)  are  you 
not  couragious  ? 
Your  caufe  is  good, becaufe  it  is  Gods. 
Your  guard  is  great*  becaufe  Angels  and  all  other  crea* 
tures. 

Your  God  isomnipotent,becaufe  Iebovah. 
Your  enemies  are  feeble,  becaufe  already  fpoiled.*^ 
Your  weapons  are  iflnpregnable,becaufe  conquering. 
Your  encourager  is  cfTe&uall,  becaufe  the  Comforter, 
Your  Captaine  is  a  conquerour,becaufe  Chrift  the  Lyon  of 
the  Tribe  of  Iudah. 

Yoar  crowne  for  which  you  combate  is  incorruptible,  Be- 
caufe heaven. 

Yours  is  the  victory,  becaufe  it  ispromifed  by  God,  who 
cannot  lie ;  And  will  you  be  cowards  ?. 

1  .A  juft  caufe  doth  infufe  incredible  incouragements;Wit- 
r>erTe/0^4w*fpcechtohis  bafe  brother  ^Abimelechy  and  the 
ungratefollmenof5^w^»,/*^.p.Witneffe/^^f/aiifwee 
to  the  King  of  tAmmou,  11.27.  thou  do  ft  me  vfrongficc,  Wit- 
jieffe  Ioabs  fpecch  to  *Abifh*i%  1  Chron.  I  o .  1 3 .  Let  us  behave 
our  /elves  va/itut/jfor  our  people,  *nd  the  cities  of  our  god.  And. 
Akijths  to  Icnboam^nd  his  army,2  Cbrou.i  3 ,4,5  ,&c. 

What 


Chap. p.  TheChfiftUnCtoflXt.  t6j^ 

What  caufc  fo  comfortable,  what  warfare  fo  warrantable* 
what  conflict  fo  confidcrate,  what  combate  fo  commodious, 
what  battaile  fo  blamelefTe ,  and  biefled  as  that  of  the  Christian 
fculdiers  ? 

Thefe  wage  war  againft  the  fabtilh,  and  feducing  ferpenr, 
the  wily  and  wicked  world,  and  the  fraudulent  and -filthy 
flefo,  who  cruelly,  and  un  juftly,  yet  concordantly  and  with 
joynt  confent  confpirc  to  enthrall  thofe  whom  Chrift  hath  en- 
larged, to  deftroy  thofe,  whom  he  hath  delivered,  to  ruinate 
thofe  whom  he  hath  redeemed,  to  leade  captive  thofe  whom 
he  hath  fet  at  liberty. 

Thefe  contend  earneftly  for  the  faith  delivered  to  the  Saint% 
Jade  g. 

Thefe,  though  they  live  in  the  flefh,  doe  not  warre  after  the 
flefh.  Calling  down  imaginations  and  every  high  thing  which 
exalteth  it  felfe  againft  the  knowledge  of  Chrift,  2  Cor 40. 3, 

Thefe  wreftle  againft  the  wiles  of  the  Divell  ,againft  princi- 
palities and  powers,2T/?&  6. 1 1 , 1 1. 

Thefe  endure  a  great  fight  of  afflictions,  partly  while  they 
are  made  a  gazing  ftock  by  reproches  and  affliftienSjand  partly 
while  they  become  companions  of  them  that  were  fo  uied, 

Thefe  abftaine  fromfleftily  lufts  which  fight  againft  theic 
fbules,i  7^.2.11. 

Thefe  put  on  the  whole  armour  of  light,  and  caft  off  the 
WOTkes  of darknefle,fo  m.  1 3 . 1  i  ? 

Thefe  are  on  Chrifts  fide  fighting  againft  the  Dragon 'and 
hi*  Angels,  the  Serpent  and  his  feed,  thefiefti  and  its  lufts. 

Thefe  fight  the  battells  of  the  L  o  r  d  I  e  h  o  v  a  h,  of 
Christ  their  Saviour,  of  his  Church  their  body,  for 
€od5  glory  their  owne  graces,  for  Gods  honour  their 
owne  happineffc.  Then  which  warfare  none  more  warran- 
table. Then  youO  Chriftian  fbuldiers  therefore  let  none  bee 
more  couragious. 

a.  Your  fafeguard  and  protection  are  all  Gods  hoftes 
-and  armies :  All  the  creatures  being  ready  armed  for  your 

M  3  "  delivc- 


XG&  4  m  cwijtun  conpta.         v>h  ap  .s; 

deHveranceand  fafety  ata  yeare,  at  amoneth,  at  a  day,  at  an 
houre,at  a  minute,  at  a  moment :  flics,  and  frogs,  lice  and  lo- 
cufts,  with  other  fuch  like  vile,  yet  vanquifhing  and  wa- 
fting vermine,  i:*^.^.^  10.  Jfttsii.  Beares,  and  Ly- 
ons with  other  like  cruell  and  confuming  creatures,*  K**gt2> 
7)ax6.  Thunder  and  lightning,  ftormes  and  tempeftsj  light 
and  darkneffe,  Sun  and  Stars,  earth  and  waters  with  other 
dreadfullanddeftroying,  magnificent  and  marvellous  workcs 
of  God,  Theglorieus  Angels  of  our  great  God,  which  are 
great  in  power ;  one  of  which  flopped  the  mouthes  ofLyons, 
3X*h.  6,2  2. delivered  Teter  out  of  prifon,^/#. 1 2.7.and  flew  a 
hundred  fourefco?e  and  five  thoufand  in  one  night,  !fa.  3  7. 3  8. 
Thefe  are  miniftring  fpirits  fent  forth  to  minifter  for  them  who 
fliall  be  heires  offalvation,£fc£.i  .14.  &  pitch  their  tents  about 
them,  PyW.34.8*  Whatgreater  dignities,  what  better  defence? 
What  greater  folace,what  better  fafctyjthen  this?  To  be  attetK 
ded3&  guarded.Not  by  men( which  we  count  anhonour,and  a 
happines)  Not  by  Saints  (which  is  a  greater  priviledge,&  pro- 
tection.) Not  by  woTfhipfull,  not  by  honourable  men:  But  by 
Aogels,yea  and  the  Lord  of  men  and  Angels,  who  alfo  keepcth 
Ifrael,P/:i2i.4j7,8  ftiadingthera  fromthefmitingbothofSim 
&  Moone,preferving  them  from  evill.  The  knowledge,  afiii- 
rance,  remembrance,  and  meditation  of  which  gracious  and 
gladfome  prefence  ofGod,86the  fenfe  therof will  marvellou- 
sly comfort  and  encourage  a  godly  man,    This  hath  freed  the 
faitfefiiU  from  defperate  and  faithlefle  feare  which  is  proper  to 
divels  &  reprobate.  This  hath  made  them  comfortable  &  cou- 
xagious  in  the  valley  of  the  fhadow  o£deatb,as  lofefh  in  the  pit 
andtprifon ;  *Z)*»*V/  in  the  den;  lonah  in  the  whale;  the  three* 
children  lathe  furnace;  ,the  Prophet  in  Doth  ah. 

You  therefore  OChriftian  fouldiers  having-fiich  a  power- 
full  puiffant  guard  ready  preft  to  preserve  and  protect,  to  de- 
fend and  deliver  you,not  only  of  all  thofe  contemptible  craw- 
ling creatures  (which  yet  con  fumed  proud  King  Herod,  A&t 
1  a.  and  greatly  wafted  and  opprefled  the  fruitfull  and  pleafant 
land  of  Egypt)  other  inferiour,(ublunary,and  thofe  incorrupti- 
tye,cele{ljalljand  angclicall ;  JHiC  of  the  Lord  of  hofts,who  k  a 

wall 


Ch  ap  .8.  the  ChriftAn  C^nflUt.  i  67 

<wall  of  fire  round  about ^Zacki  .5 .  &  tberfore  yon  muft  needs 
be  invincible^  impregnable:  were  your  ftielter  ftones,  earth, 
timber;thefe  may  be  battered:  were  it  wals  of  leadjthefe  might 
be  melted,&  cofumed:  were  it  defences  of  watersjthefe  might 
be  dried  up :  were  it  garifbns  of  mighty  men;  thefc  might  be 
fcattered:  were  it  engines  ofwar;thefe  might  be  defeateebwere 
it  trenches;thefe  might  be  (lopped: were  it  Bullwarkes ;  cbefe 
might  be  overthrowne :  But  you  are  guarded  with  fiich  a  de- 
fence which  cannot  be  demoli  ihed,/r.  withfire,with  a  wall  of 
fire  round  about  you.  Balks  of  wild-fire  are  a  terrour  and  con- 
sumption to  enemies ;  who  could  quenchtbe  fire  of  Sodome, 
Gen  1  £.?Or  who  can  quench  the  world,  when  it  fhall  be  all  on 
fire,*  Pet.  3  .i  o,i  1  ?  Surely  none.Paradife  was  kept  with  a  fiery 
flaming  fword,&  none  could  enter  thereinto, (/en.3.2 4. 1/rad 
was  guided  &  protected  by  a  pillar  of  fire,  and  none  could  mo- 
left  than,Exod.i  3.21  .And  the  Lord  of  heavenand  earth,wbo 
is  a  Lord  of  hofts  and  armies  is  a  wall  of  fire  round  about  you, 
to  concruciate  &  confome  your  obflinate  oppofers^andto  fhel- 
ter  and  fuccour  you.  Sincctherfore  O  fellow  Chriftian  fouldi- 
ers  we  cftceme  our  felves  in  great  fafcty  having  walls  of 
ftones,  guards  of  men  and  other  fuch  like  defending,  fuppor- 
ting^nd  refitting  warlike  munition.  Knowing  that  wehavea 
guard  fo  great  and  glorious,  and  that  God  is,  and  will  be  with 
us  in  danger,and  diftreffe  (which  we  may  do  By  our  faith,  and 
the  fruits  tbcreof,as  By  our  obedience,!  Chro.i  5.2.  Pffi .  1 4. 
By  our  love  to  him,/y*/.^i .  1 4.  By  our  invocation  and  calling 
i2ponhisnamc,7>/2r/.pi.t5«5^<9.57.2.  andBy  ourtruftand 
confidenceinGod,P/5i/.9i.2  9.  56.3,4,1©.  57.i.)Andther- 
•fore  that  we  are  in  great  fafety  and  fecarity.  Letus  be  valiant 
andcouragious. 

3.  Your  God  whofe  you  are,  and  whom  you  ferve,  To 
whom  nothing  is  too  hard,<7*».  1 8. 1 4.or  irapoffiole;  Mat  1 9. 
16.T0  whom  none  id  lik*  among  the  Godt,  glortotu  in  he/tnefe9 
fenrefuMnprAifes^oing  wonder  s.Exod.i  5 .1 1  .Whrremoovetk 
mountnines^llnketh  the  earth \f~ammandeth  the  Snn,  ~fea- 
ieth  the  ft  art  Job  9.\6%&c.&thnK&creth  mgrve/louflj>6cc.  3  7. 5* 
from  whom  none  can  deliver,  //*.4j.i  3. without  whofe  leave 

M  4  anil 


X63  TbcCtmjtuHCwJita.  Chap.^ 

atid  licence  Satan  himfelfe  cannot  hatme  or  hurt  fordid  fwine 
much  leffe  fan&ified  Saints,  Mar.  5 . 1 2 .  lob  1 .  &  1 .  This  om-* 
nipotent  God  who  can  do  what  he  will,  commands  and  char* 
geth  you  to  fight,  and  that  with  courage:  And  will  you  be 
cowardly  ? 

4.  Your  Captainc  and  Commander  the  Lord  Iefus ,  that 
invincible  Lion  of  the  Tribe  of  Iudah  hath  vi&orioufly  van- 
quished his  and  your  enemies,  having  made  his  enemies  bit 
foot-ftoole, xMAtth.  22.44.  Having  overcome  the  worlds 
I  oh.  16.31.  Having  led  captivitie  captive,,  Eph^.S.  Having 
fpailed  principalities  and  powers,  Col.  a.  15.  Having  over- 
come thofethat  warre  againft  him,  Rev.  17. 14,  And  will 
not  you y  the  members  of  this  head,  thefubjects  of  this  King, 
the  ranfamed  of  this  Redeemer ,  the  ibuldiers  of  this  Cap- 
taine :  For  whom  he  hath  combated  with,  and  conquered  all 
your  fearefull  and  formidable  foes :  with  whom  he  is  grari- 
oufty  prefent ,  not  as  an  idle  fpeclatour,  but  as  a  couragious, 
valiant,  and  powerfull  Captainc  to  relieve  and  refcue  hit 
Church  and  chofen,  and  to  revenge  upon  their  enemies  the 
wrongs  intended  or  inflicted  by  them  upon  his  peculiar  peo- 
ple, in  whom  he  dwels  by  faith,  Eph.  3. 1 7.  and  by  whom  yoii 
may  do  all  things  even  through  Chrift  which  ftrengtheneth 
you,  Phit.4. 1 1 .  will  not  you  (I  fay)  be  couragious  ? 

f.  Your  foes  are  foiled,  your  enemies  are ipoiled,  there- 
fere  fceble-,not  to  be  feared.  Sathaa  is  fallen  from  heaven  like 
lightning,  and  made  fubjecl  to  the  Saints,  Luke  10. 17, 18. 
through  death,  though  he  had  the  power  ofdeath,  is  deftroy* 
eAy.Heb.2. 14.  and  his  wicked netfe,  1  lob.3.2.  yea  and  he 
hath  beene  overcome  by  the  Saints,  1  lob.  2. 1 9, 14.  The 
world  hath  not  onely  beene  overcome  by  our  chiefe  Comman- 
der Chrift,  lob.  16.33.  but  alio  by  allthofe  who  are  borne  of 
God,  1 7^.5.4.  thefe  being  crucified  to  it,  and  having  it  cru- 
cified to  them,  Gal. 6. 1 4,  As  for  the  flefn,  with  the  afFeclaons 
and  Ms  thereof,  they  that  are  Chrifts  have  crucified,  </*/.$>. 
-24*  Cafting  downe  imaginations— and  bringing  intocaptivi- 
ty  every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Chrift,*  Cor.  10,4.  Are 
^our  enemies  fuchwhofe  power  is  not  foveraigne  and  abfo- 

lute 


<^  h  ft  p  %g.  The  cmjtun  CMptct*  i  g9 

*ute,  but  fubordinateand  limited,  whole  weapons  have  been 
often  battered  and  blunted  :  yea  fuch  which  have  becne  of. 
ten  fpoiled  and  fupplanted ,  not  onely  by  Cbrift  your con- 
quering Captaine,  butalfoby  Chriftians  your  fellow- fonldi- 
ers,  through  whom  they  have  becre,  and  we  alfo  may  be 
roorethancorquerer?3i?e».S.37#  And  will  you  degenerate 
and  be  difcomfited  ? 

6.  Your  weapons  are  impenetrable  and  impregnable,your 
armour  is  armour  of  proofe,  eompleat  armour,  every  way  fuk 
ficient  to  defend  and  keepe  us  harmelefle.  This,  if  you  put  k 
on,  will  make  you  able  to  ftand  againft  the  wiles  of  the  Divelly 
EfheJ .6.  II.  This  will  inable  you  to  withftand  in  the  evill 
day,  Verf.13.and  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked., 
Veri.irf. 

And  will  you  (which  are  fo  well  armed  out  of  Gods  abun- 
dant armorie,  with  fuch  weapons,  no  way  deficient,  every 
way  defenfibk)  abufe  a  gift  fo  great  and  gratifying,  dishonour 
the  doner  of  a  benefit  fobountifull  and  beneficial  1 ,  and  make 
your  felves  (  fo  furely  fenced  )  ridiculous  by  taint-hearted 
cowardife?  •" 

7.  Your  encourager  is  the  Comforter  which  abideth  with 
you  for  ever,  Uhn  14. 1 6.  The  fpirit  of  wifdome  and  under- 
ftanding,  the  ipirit  of  ecunfell  and  might,  ]fa.  11 ,  t,  \ybich 
helpeth  your  infirmities,  Rom  8.s6.  Which  fi ^h tcth  againft 
the  1  lifts  of  the  flefh,  G*L%  .17.  Who  is  refcmbled  to  fir*,  A8. 
a.  2.  becaufc  he  kindleth  and  heateth  our  heart*  with  love, 
zeale,  and  other  graces;  comfbrteth  our  conferences,  andcon- 
fumethour  corruptions.  To  water,  Uhn  3.5.  becaufc  he  coo- 
leth,cleanieth,comforteth,  and  maketh  fertile  in  good  works. 
To  wind,  Uhn  5 .  8.  becaufe  he  purgeth  our  pollutions,  drives 
away  and  dries  up  our  droffieand  defacing  corruptions.  And 
will  you  (  who  have  this  Comforter  continuing  in  you,  feal- 
ing  you  to  the  day  of  redemption,  Spb.j^o.  inabling  you  to 
cry  Abb*  Fttbtr,  helping  your  infirmities,)  be  difheartened 
and  difcouraged  ? 

8.  Yours  ia  the  viftory.    God  is  not  a  man  that  be  mould 
lie,  neither  the  fonne  of  man  that  lie  fhould  repent;  Hath  be 

faicV 


i  %6  Tht  chtifiUn  CwfliSt.         Ch  a  p  .9? 

feid ,  and  (hall  he  not  doe  it  *  Or  hath  he  fpoken ,  and 
ftiall  he  not  make  it  good?  Numbers  23.  ip.  The  Lord 
whoisunchangeable,  Umtsi.iy.  And  cannot  He,  Titus  \\ 
3.  He  hath  promifed  (and  therefore  will  performe)  to  bruife 
Satan  under  your  feet,  Rem*  16.20.  Not  to  fuffer  yon  to 
be  tempted  above  that  you  are  able,  but  will  with  the  temp- 
tation alfb  make  way  how  to  efcape,  that  you  may  be  able 
to  beare-  it,  1  Corinth.  10.13.  Since  therefore  you  (hall  van- 
tjuifh ,  if  you  are  valorous  1  yours  is  the  conqueft ,  if  you 
are  couragious;  be  not  you  cowardly,  that  foyou  may  con- 
quer. 

9*  Yourcrowne  for  which  you  combat  is  ineftimable  and 
uncorruptible,  1  /Vf.1.4.  Where  you  (hall  be  freed  from 
finne  the  worft  of  evils,  Rom.  6".  22,23.  From  crofles  and 
calamities;  fo  that  all  teares  (hall  be  wiped  from  your  eyes, 
Rev.  7. 16, 17.  And  reft  from  your  labours.  Revel. i/\.  13, 
Where  you  fhall  be  as  the  Angels  of  God  in  heaven,  A44ttb* 
3 1.-3°.  Yea  likeChrift,  I  lohn%.  *.  Yeaheires,  and  -joint- 
heires  with  the  Sonne  of  God,  Rom.  8. 17.  Where  you  (hall 
know  as  you  are*knowne,  1  Cor.  13.12.  Have  everlafting 
|oy,//k5i.ii.  35.10.  anderijoyfuch  goodneflfe,  gladnefle, 
and  glory  which  is  unutterable  and  uneoRceiveable,  1  Cor.  2. 
9.  And  will  not  you  be  couragious  in  a  caufe  fb  good,having a 
guard  fo  great,under  God  fo  omnipotent,  for  Chrift  fo  invin- 
cible,  againft  enemies  fo  infeebled,  with  weapons  fo  impreg- 
mble,having  the  affiftance  of  the  bleflcd  Comforter,in  a  com- 
bat where  you  are  fure  to  conquer,  foy.  crownefb  ineftima- 
ble? God  forbid. 

MtAnts  of         That  you  may  be  couragious, 

^courage.  I .  Flic  from  all  manner  of  finne  5  this  is  that  which  brings 

faintneflc  into  the  hearts ,  that  the  found  of  a  (haken  leafe 
{hall  chafe  men  and  make  them  flee,  as  fleeing  from  afword, 
and  fall  when  none  purfueth  them,  Levit,26.^6t  This  is  that 
which  makes  men  feare  where  no  feareis,*and  makes  the 
wicked  flee  when  no  man  purfueth,  Prov.iS.  1.  And  be 
carefull  to4ccepe  a  good  eonfeience  void  of  offence  toward 
God  and  toward  man.  AUs  24.1$.  willing  to  live  honeftly; 


v>  h a  p  ,9 .  ?  *,  cbrtfitAn  CMfltti.  1 7 1 

/W.i  J.I  8.  For  this  is  that  which  is  a  continuall  feaft,Pr*.  1  jl 
1  5 .  This  is  that  which  makes  the  righteous  bold  as  a  lion,  Pro* 
*8.-i.This  comforted  and  encouraged  'Paul  and  his  compani- 
ons in  their  great  extremities,  2  Cor.  1.8, 12,  and  this  makes 
Confident  towards  God,  1  lob.  3.  21. 

I  know  that  not  onely  ruffian-like  roifters,  butjnany 
other  better  qualified  are  not  onely  ready  to  tbirike,  Butalfo 
to  fay,  faithful!  men  are  faint-hearted,  mortification  kilsman- 
hood,  religious  men  are  notrefolute,confcience  cooles  a  mans 
courage. 

But  I  would  have  them  to  know,  that  godly  men,and  onely 
they  are  truly  couragious.  It's  manners  which  makes  a  man , 
our  proverbe  fakh.  And  fare  I  am,  manhood  is  one  thing,mad- 
neflfc  is  another ;  a  man  may  be  bold,  couragious,  (lout ,  and 
valiant,  although  he  neither  ftampenor  flare,  fwaggernor 
fweare,  roare  nor  revel],  brag  nor  brail :  yea,  men  of  beft  conf- 
idence are  alwayes  men  of  moft  and  greateft  courage.  'David 
dreads  not  GolUh>  1  Sam.  1  7.  nor  thoufands  of  people,  Pfal.  g# 
&.  Pastkarcs  not  to  die  at  Ierufalem  forthe  name  of  the  Lord 
Icfus,/tf#.2i.23.  neither  was  he  moved  with  the  bonds  and 
afflictions  which  did  abide  hi m,  20.25.  And  who  are  more 
prodigall  of  thek  lives,livclihood,liberty,  and  good  names  for 
Ghriit,andhis<Sofpelsfake?  Who  are  moredreadlcffeofdif- 
mall  death,  dreadfnll  difgraces,  trials* troubles,  tortures,  and 
temptations  for  Christianity  and  confeience  fake  than  righte- 
ous men?  Than  which  what  greater  magnanimity  ? 

2.  Let  us  humbly  and  heartily  crave  and  cry  for,  petition 
and  pray  for  valour  and  courage  of  the  Lord  :  For,  all  our  ' 
fufficiency  isofthe  Lord,  a  C*r.3.5*aQd  without-him  we  can  . 
do  nothing,  lob.  15.5. 

3 .  Faith  f ortifieth  agatnft  fearefull  faint-heartcdnefle,  Mar\ 
4. 40.  For,  this  certifieth  the  Cbriftian  foule  that  God  is 
gracioufly  prefent  with  him ;  thcaffurance  whereof  makes  a 
man  to  feare  no  evil],  although  he  walke  through  the  valley 
ofthemadow  of  death,  Pfslme  23.4.  This  afliiretb  a  SainC 
tfaat  all  things  are  at  his  Fathers  dilpofing,  and  that  the  con- 
federation ofGods  particular  prudent  providence  extending  to 

baires  - 


ty%  The  GhriflUn  Conflict.  Ch  kv.j. 

hairesandfparrowes,  fliould  embolden,  animate,  and  encou- 
rage him,  he  being  ©f  more  worth  than  many  fparrowet, 
e^/4^.io.28,ap,3«,3i.  Th»detb  appropriate  and  apply 
the  fore  and  certaine,  thefweetand  fpeciall  promifes  in  God* 
Booke  to  the  true  believer.  All  which  are  as  (b  many  props 
and  pillars,to  fuftaine  and  fupport ;  as  fo  many  radicalland  re- 
all  refrefKngs,  to  recreate  and  ravifh ;  and  as  fo  many  effe- 
ftuall  inforcernents,  to  make  valiant  and  victorious  a  true  be- 
liever. 

4.  Neceffity  is  laid  upon  us  by  Gods  commandernent, 
I  Cor.  16*.  ig.  Although  we  muftnotdo  good  works  etijoy- 
ned  to  procure  praife  with  men,  <JWatth.  6  Yet  we  may  and 
muft  refiftand  repell  (what  in  us  lieth)  opprobrious  reproach, 
procure  and  preferve  renowne  and  favour  with  God  and 
men,PFW.$.o.  653.  iTbejf.+.a.^  Confider  cordially  that 
Chriftian  prowefle  is  not  oncly  enjoyned ,  but  doth  alfo 
inable  us  Chriftian  fouldiers  in  the  fight  of  God  aad  good 
men. 

5 .  Experience  adds  expertneffe  and  efficacy  to  all  and  eve- 
ry performance;  for,  as  they  who  never  attempted  action  of 
importance  take  fuch  things  in-hand  faintly  and  fearefiilly :  fo 
thofe  who  are  much  experienced  in  exploits  of  danger  and 
difficulty,  enterprifethe  fame  more  exactly,  effectually,  and 
valiantly.  'David  by  his  experience  of  former  mercies  in 
combating  with,  and  conquering  the  lion  and  the  beare,  was 
inabled  with  comfort  and  confidence  to  encounter  the  puifc 
fantandunmatchablePhiliftine,  1  Sam.  17.34.  "Paul  by  ex- 
perience of  former  favours  was  fortified  and  made  invincible 
againftfucceedingaffaults,2ri0i.4.  17, 18.  I  was  delivered 
out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lion>  and  the  Lord  (hall  deliver  me  from 
every  eviti  rvorke.  2  fir.  i  .1  ©.  The  Lord  delivered  tee  from  fo 
great  4  death,  and  doth  deliver  jm  whom  wttruft  that  be  viiBjet 
deliver.  Rom.$.  3  5.37,38,39.  After  his  rehearfall  of  particu- 
lar bitter  calamities  which  fight  againft  believers,  (Namely, 

1 .  Terrible  tribulation  which  wringeth  and  vexeth. 
1.  DiftrefTefull  anguidi'  perplexing  the  mind,  fo  that  the 
diflreffed  Hnowesnot  what  to  do. 

3.  Perfection 


^HAPlp,  *ifjeChnjit4»CMjlt&.  17  j 

3.  Perfection,  or  extrcamc  violence  offred  to  goods,  pe 
fon,life,or  good  name. 

4.  Famine,  or  want  of  vi&uals  to  fuftaine  life. 

5.  Nakedneflcv  or  want  of  clothing  to.  cover  and  defend 
the  body  from  cold* 

6.  Perill,  ordangeroiKdiftrefles,  which  put  men  iojieriil 
and  jeopardie. 

7.  Sword,or  barbarous  favage  bloud-fhed .)  He  doth  com- 
fort and  encourage  the  faithrull  againftthefe  terrible  things, 
affirming,  Ver  3  7.  that  in  all  thefe  we  are  more  than  conque- 
rors; from  whence  he  concludeth,  and  upon  that  blefled  ex- 
perience he  groundeth  that  comfortable  and  couragious  pcr- 
iwafion,  That  neither  life,  nor  death,  nor  Angels,  nor  princU 
f  stlitiet,nor  porter  s^nor  things  prefent,  nor  things  to  come ,  nor 
height ,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creotnre  fid&  be  Able  tofpArnte 
us  from  the  love  of  God  whkb  is  in  Chrifl  lefus  our  Lard.  A  nd 
therefore  the  feme  Angelicall  Apoftlefltfjw.5.4.  doth  afcer- 
taine  us  that  experience  woTketh  hope ;  or  true  beleevers  da 
gaine  much  heart,and  more  confidence  io  Gods  goodnefle  for 
hereafter,  that  he  will  ftrengthen  and  deliver  them  by  their 

former  triall  and  experience.  Yea  the  eloquent  Oratoar  C*-  TuftftuftM, 
tero  tellcth  us  that  an  unskilful  1  fouldier  in  comparifon  of  one  *•  * 
experie  need  is  as  one  unarmed  to  another  armed .  And  Arifto-  &teJ*  1  •  c  9> 
tie  the  Prince  of  Philofcphers  furnifheth  me  with  tw©  caufes, 
why  experience  doth  adde  valour  in  warfare  to  military 
men.  m 

Theonc,becaufe  fouldiers  exercifed  and  acquainted  with 
the  fleights  and  fubtilties  of  enemies,  regard  not,  but  reject 
and  contemne  their  crafty  and  deceitfull  wiles  wherewith 
they  are  wont  to  daunt  and  difmay,  appale  and  affright  canfe- 
fc%  (there  being  no  dread  of  danger  in  vaine  affrightments) 
men  unexperienced. 

TV  other,  becaufe  the  experienced  fouldier  can  bed  and 
meft  ad vantagioufly  handle  and  manage  their  weapons,  are. 
bdt  acquainted  with  danger,  and  how  te  difmay  and  deftroy 
their  enemies. 

&ecord;  regifter,  and  keepc  in  remembrance  ©ur  finnes*. 

and 


174  YheChrijiUnConflilf.  Chap. 9? 

and  fcfiferings  for  the  fame,  our  miferies,  and  Gods  mercies 
paft. 

i.  The  remembrance  ©four  finnes  paft,  1.  Is  a  meanes 
to  bumble  us,  fhe  wing  us  our  vilenefle,?/*/.  38.  3,4.  2.  To 
make  us  more  thankful],  1  Tim.  1.22,1$.  3.  Tocaufeus 
more  to  love  Chrift,  Lukej.^j.  4.  To  make  us  pray  more 
feelingly  and  fervently,  PfaL  50.  5.  To  fpend  the  time  to 
come  more  diligently,for  mHpending  the  time  paft,  1  £V. 
1 1.5.  12. 11.  6  To  make  us  more  compaffionate  to  o* 
thers,  in  pitying  their  condition,  praying  for  them,  helping  to 
free  them  from  Satans  flavery,  Ga/.C.i.  7.  To  renew  out 
repentance,  Z*ch.  1 2 . 1  o4 

s.  The  remembrance  of  Gods  afflictions  and  chaftife-' 
ments, 

1 .  Is  a  meanes  to  make  us  mercifull  and  compaffionate 
towards  others  in  diftreffes,  Exod.t2.21. 

2.  To  make  us  more  thankfull  to  God  who  hath  deliver- 
ed us  from  them. 

3.  To  make  us  more  earned  and  inftant  in  prayer  i 
Pftlme+i. 

4.  To  make  us  loath  aftd  diflike  finne  more,  the  caufe  of 
£b  many  fcourges. 

5.  To  make  us  more  confident  in  God. 

6.  And  to  make  us  remember  our  promifes  made  in  oar 
diftreffes,  and  ftirre  us  up  to  performe  them. 

I .  The  remembrance  of  Gods  mercies  and  goodnefle, 

1.  Is  a  meanes  to  ftirre  up  in  us  thankfulneffe,  PfdtHt 

2.  To  make  us  more  obedient. 

3 .  And  more  confident  fotthe  time  to  come. 

By  the  remembrance  oft  hefe;  our  (innes,  and  fufferingsi 
and  Gods  mercies, 

1 .  We  (hall  gain  experience  of  our  curled  corruptions,and 
the  pernicious  perverfnefle  of  our  nature:  as  alio  of  our  weak- 
neffe,  bow  unable,  we  are  to  beare,  and*how  apt  to  faint  under 
burdens,  T/*/.  n  6%  1  1 ,  which  will  humble  our  vaine  afpiring 
imaginations  :  as  alfo  6f  our  love  to  pod,  of ota  faith  and 

"  "      ■  '  truft 


Ch  h  p:p .  Tfje  chrijthn  Ctnfltft.  xjy 

truft  in  God  $  of  our  meekenetfe  and  gentlenefle  towards 
men,  of  our  patience,  fortitude,  courage ,  and  other  graces 
which  will  corroborate  and  coi  firme  us. 

2.  We  frail  gaine  experience,  as  of  the  fpightfull  hatred  of 
profane  Belials  towards  us,  and  of  the  unconftant  and  ui.ftable 
minds  of  indifferent  neutrals,  and  of  the  rottenneffe  e£thcir 
fcined  friendfhip,which  will  make  us  more  vigilant.  So  of  the 
found  and  fubftantiall  love  of  Gods  peculiar  people  manife. 
ftcd  to  us  by  their  counkls ,  prayers,  and  other  like  duties, 
which  will  make  us  more  valiant, 

3.  We  (hall  gaine  experience,  notonely  of  Satans  malice 
asdfubtilty  in  tempting,  and  feekingto  hurt  and  deftroyus, 
which  may  affright  us  ;-but  alfoof  his  unablenefle  to  harme 
them  whom  God  will  prcferve  ;,  and  of  his  fubjection  to  our 
good  God,being  at  his  beck  for  the  meafure  and  time  o£temp~ 
ting,  which  may  animate  us. 

4.  We  mail  gaine  experience,  as  of  Gods  fidelity  and  faith* 
fulneffe  in  his  terrible  threats  and  comminations^  and  of  the 
feverity  of  hisjuftice;  puni&ing  fin  in  his  Saints  and  peculiar 
people,  which  may  make  us  tremble.  So  of  his  fidelity  in  his 
promifes,  of  his  great  might  and  omnipotency  in  that  he  can 
uphold  us,  1  C§r.  1 2.9,  of  his  fingular  mercy,  in  that  he  will 
fiiftaine  and  ftrengthen  us ;  of  his  wonderfull  wifdome ,  in 
that  when  he  hath  tried  and  exercifed  his  children,he  knoweth 
how  to  deliver  them  out  of  temptations,  a  Pet.  2.0*  which 
will  make  us  triumphant. 

6.  Anger  doth  wonderfully  animate  men ;  yea  this  doth  fo 
warme  an  J  inflame  the  b!oud,and  add  luch  vigour  and  valours 
this  doth  fo  incitate  and  incourage,  exafperate  and  inforce  t9 
encounters,  that  one  man  in  anger  dreads  not  to  contend  with 
many;  and  men  unarmed,  heated  and  heartened  herewith,are 
often  fearelefle  to  fight  with  weaponed  men :  and  bruit  beafts 
which  naturally  feare  and  flie  from  us,  being  made  angry,  re-  .   . 

gardlefly  rum  upon  even  deadly  and  deftroying  weapons.  And  ^  f  Jfc  ^ 
as  TtUty  termes  anger  the  yvhetftome  offortitudefa  humane  hi-  mixft.L.4.  * 
fiories  plentifully  prove  the  fime  by  fs£*easy  Vly  flb /,  and  o-  »~Magnd'fe 
thers,  which  by  anger  have  beene  much  helped  and  heartened  txufik*  irdJ ' 

to 


4  70  y  m  ampin  cwjua.         i_  m  a  p  .9. 

/rdrwa  «»j«ef  to  combate  couragioufly :  and  therefore  they  have  fo  enno- 
tffundit  babe-  bled  this  affection,  that  they  deny  it  residence  iavcin  gene- 
nas.  rousfpirits, 

™*MitTtMM        .  No*  c*iu  in  molles  mhilis  ir*  ™rou 

furor    exdtat  Neither  is  the  facred  Scripture  (ilent,  but  doth  produce  plen- 

irart  tifull  proofs  for  this  purpofe :  witneffe  Mefes,  whofe  anger 

waxing  hot,  he  tookethe  calf e  which  the  people  had  made, 
rebuked  Aaron^nd  commanded  the  Levites  to  execute  judge- 
ments upon  the  idolaters,  Zxod>  3  *.  7  9,20,26.  Witneffe  Phi* 
neasywho  being  zealous  for  the  Lord,took  a  javelin  in  his  hand 
and  flew  Zimriand  Cozbi finning agatnft  the  Lord,N»«.2?,8, 
1 1 .  Wicncfle  Mehemiah,  who  was  very  angry,  and  rebuked 
the  nobles  and  the  rulers,  Neh.5 ,69j.  Witnefle  Jeremy,  who 
being  full  of  the  fiiry(or  anger)  of  the  Lord,  did  po  wre  it  out, 
Jer.6jt.  Witnefle  our  Saviour,  Mar.  3.5.  who,  when  he 
had  looked  upon  them  with  anger ,  faid  to  the  man ,  Stretch 
forth  thine  hand* 

Convey  into,  and  cheri(h  in  our  foules  this  corroborating 
anger ,  which  may  make  us  valiant  and  couragious  againft  Cm 
and  Satan^hc  world  and  wicked  men. 
,    I  do  not  countenance  nor  commend  all  fbrts  ofanger. 

There  is  an  anger  which  God  forbids,  Eph^.  3 1 .  >Let  anger 
be  put  away  from  yen. 

There  is  an  anger  which  ftirres  up  ftrife,  Pr0.15.18.  Anan- 
gry  manftirs  up  ftrife. 

There  is  an  anger  which  naanifefts  folly,  Ec cl.  7. 9.  Anger 
resls  in  the  bofome  offooles. 

There  i«  an  anger  which  is  a  worke  of  the  flefh,  g*Uti 
5.  to. 
8*fil  inali*u$t  There  is  an  anger  which  diftempers  all  the  body ,  as  great 
SaiptMcos.  •B^/kfefy  in  4Hgry  man  ^9th  i,p  his  comlineffe,  yea  the  \hape 
of  a  man%  andpHts  on  the  likc*e(fe  of  a  beasli  confider  a  while  am 
angry  man;he  ragethjse  railes  like  a  drunlejtrd^his  eys  are  chan- 
ge\  and  made  fierce  and  bloudyjsit  heart  is  inflamed,  hit  blond 
is  m oved :  thorn  [bait  fee  him  filing  his  teeth  like  a  wild  boare% 
Jpeaking  often  foeli/bly,  and  leaving  words  imperficl;  he  hath 
noreffeft  of  affinity  $r  familiars*  he  jpareth  none  tofatisfie 

his 


hi*  o»ne  iu]ft—he  doth  continudBy  b*rke,  See, 
There  is  an  anger,  which  is  murder,  *JMat .  5.21.  namely, 

finfull  or  un.-idvijedangtr. 

•Iris unadvifed  anger  which  proceeds  from  (el fe- lave, from 

diflike  or  hatred  of  the  perfon  with  whom  one  is  angry. 
It  is  unadvifed  anger  which  intends  private  relpe&s-f  it 

oft  quickly  mooved,  continueth  long,  and  is  defirous  of  re- 


venge. 


It  is  tanadvifed  anger ,  when  men  are  angry  with  God  , 
doings,corre<5tions,and  dealiogs,as  lonab  was,  len.q  3. 

It  is  unadvifed  anger ,  when  men  arc  angry  for  any  thing, 
fave  for  fin,and  fo  cauflcfly. 

It  is  unadvifed  anger,  when  men  are  angry  more  for  fmali 
finnes  than  great ;  for  pettie  offences  againft.  themlelves,more 
than  great  tranfgreilions  againft  God. 

It  is  unadvifed  anger,  if  it  exceeds,  although  the  caufe  be 
juft,  Gen  .49. 7. 

It  is  unadvifed  anger,  which  doth  not  aime  at  the  glory  of 
God,  the  reftraint  of  finne :  but  its  owns  glory  and  profit, 
iV0.a1.-24. 

It  is  unadvifed  anger,  which  breakes  out  into  execrations, 
curfes,  and  makes  men  unfit  for  the  difcharging  of  the  duties  ©f 
their  calling. 

It  is  unadvifed  anger,  which  is  not  moderated  in  conveni- 
ent time,  Epb.^.26. 

This  vile  and  vicious  anger  ought  fo  te*  be  abhorred  of  us ; 
that  we  mould  not  make  any  friendfhip  with  fuch  angry  men, 
Pr0.22.24, 

But  there  is  an  anger  which  is  good:  for  God  is  often  angry; 
Chrift  was  angry ;  and  good  men  have  beene  commendably 
angry. 

1.  Let  therefore  the  occasions  of  our  anger  be  juft  and 
weighty:  likethofeof  C/*f0/*/,who  was  angry  fortherefer- 
vation  of  Manna,  Exod.  \6. 19.  the  making  of  the  golden 
cdfe9Exod.31.19.  and  the  rebellion  of  Ac  people,  N*m.i60 
1 3 .  Like  that  of  Pbine*4yvjho  was  angry  for  the  fhamefull  for- 
nication, Nhi*s 2  j. 8,1 1.  Like  that  of  D*vid9  who  was  angry 

N  for 


17  8  The  Christian  Conftll.  Chap  *gl 

for  the  ftiamefull  incefl  of  Amno*%  %  Sam.  i  $ .  u  Like  that  of 
Mas,  who  was  angry  for  the  cruelty  and  a poftafie  of  Ifrael, 
i  King,  1 9,4.  Like  that  of  2fjhemiab>\N\\Q  was  angry  for  their 
uiury  and  oppre[fionli\k6.5.6\  Like  that  of  Uremic,  who  was 
angry  forrheir  impenitency  and  contempt  of  the  Word,  ler. 
6.T  1 .  L&e  that  of  our  Saviour ,  who  was  angry  for  the  hard- 
neffc  of  their  hearts,  Mar.  3  % . 

2.  Let  the  motives,  or  moving  caufes  of  our  anger  be  an 
earned  defire  to  maintaine  the  glory  of  God,  Exo.16  to.  Fer- 
vent love  of  neceflley  and  vertue,  Pf*l.  119  \  59.  utter  hatred 
and  deteftation  of  vice ;  an  indultrious  care  to  pacific  Gods 
wrathfull  difpleafure,  /*/&.  7.  8.  And  a  carefull  endeavour  to 
fave  the  party  with  whom  we  are  angry. 

3 .  Let  the  proper,  and  principall  objeel:  of  our  anger  be  fin 
onely,orTendingour  good  and  gracious  God,namcly  our  own, 
2  Cor. y.  1 1 .  and  others.  Nnm.  %  > .  By  accident,  conf  equent,fe- 
condary,  and  lefle  principall  the  (inner. 

4.  Let  the  proportion,  and  meafure  of  our  anger  be  more 
for  finnes  againft  God  ;  leffe  for  finnes,  wrongs,  andtrefpak 
fes  againft:  our  felves. 

y .  Let  the  manner  be  deliberate,advifed,charitable,nierci- 
ful!,moderate,and  companionate,  lam.  1.19. 

6.  Let  the  continuance  be  fhort,  ^.4. 26. 

Then  our  anger  thus  qualified,  it  being  not  againft  the  per- 
fon,  but  fin  of  our  neighbour,  or  of  our  felves:  it  proceeding 
from  love  of  the  party  with  whom  weare  angry:  ic  being  a- 
gainft  fin,for  Gods  glory,  becaufe  he  is  thereby  difhonoured: 
it  is  not  finfull,  but  a  holy  affection,  very  helpf  nil,  and  much  a- 
vailable  for  us  Chriftian  fouldiers;as-great2?<i//  faith  excellent- 
ly. For  the  irafciblepart  of  the  fonle  (faith  he)  »  necejfary  to  tts 
for  many  vertnous  worlds :  for  as  a  faultier  taking  weapons  from 
his  Qaptaine  u  prepared  to  be  helpfuh  at  hh  command ;  fo  anger 
hath  keen  helpf  nil  to  reafon  againft  fin.  Verily  anger  is  thefinew 
of  the  fonle ,yeeldi*g  fortitnde^onfianc^  and  ftrength  to  doe 
things  well  and  orderly,  which  doth  roHore  the  fonle  aHnred,  and 
waving  wanton  with  pleafare;  reftraining  it  as  with  a  certain* 
weapon  t»9re{ov*rt%  and  valiant,  from  cjfemi*Mf%  andremifff* 

Neither 


Fa&ll9* 


CHAtMO.         TheCfoiflidnCenfoSt.  17^ 

iieither  canjl  thou  pur fine  fin with  fufileieut  hatred  a*  thou  ough- 
tiff,  if  there  be  wanting  in  thee  an  indignation  and  anger  again  ft 
it\  wherefore  Ifupfofe  that  we  ought  as  well  to  have  a  love  to  the 
fiudy  of  vertue,  and  to  retaine  hatred  again/}  vice,  to  the  which 
anger  U  mo  ft  profitable  :f or  at  a  dog  to  the  fhepheardjo  anger  obey* 
ing  reafonismild  and  gentle  to  its  ajpslants,and  is  revocab/eyor 
galled  bac^  againe  with  reason  \  for  at  a  dog  u  grim  and  repgh 
at  a  fir  angers  voice \  and  looses  if  he  feeth  kid  help  and  care  to  be 
declared  ;  and  is  feene  to  feare  and  dread  his  ajfi/fant^andthofe 
that  per taine  to  the  bonfkold,  In  like  manner  mofi  blejfed  and 
good  anger  doth  defend  the  wtfdome  ofthefoule,  an  d  afford  helpe 
to  the  worke  of  vertne :  Moreover  it  is  not  eaflj  reconciled 
with  deceiptfulneffe ,  neither  hath  it  familiarity  therewith  ; 
Moreover  it  doth  not  maintaine  any  good  niS  towards  thofe 
things  which  are  hurt  full ;  but  is  feene  continually  tebarkea- 
gain  ft  deccipifult  fenfualtty  as  again ft  a  wolfe.    So  the  refore  an-  l 

ger  being  dtjpefed  withreafon  when  it  ought ,  and  as  it  ought, 
doth  procure  courage,  patience,  and  confiancj. 

Chat.  X. 

Souldiers  ought  to  take  heed. 

SOuldiers  are  or  ought  tobecircumfpecl  and  very  caute-  jy  - 
Ions,  carelefle  fecurity  being  accompanied  with  perillous  '  *' 
and  pernicious  loflc  and  danger,  as  is  evident  not  onely  by  Di» 
onyfius  regaining  his  former  loffesfrcrnthelecure  Syracufi- 
ans ;  the  Romans  theirs  from  the  carelefle  Carthaginians,  and 
diverfe  other  memorable  victorious  exploits  enterprifed  and 
effected  by  fudd  en  furpri'es :  but  alfoinfacred  Writ  by  the 
terrible  and  tragical!  execution  upon  thehoft  ofMidian  by  gir 
deon, Iudg.%.1 1 . ofdma/ekby  David, I  Sam,$Q.  T 6,  T  7.  and 
upon  the  carelefle  inhabitants  of  laifh  by  the  tribe  of  Dan, 
Judg.  18.27,28.  Hence  was  it  that  Chrift  our  Captainc  and 
Commander,andtheblefTcd  Apoftlesour  fellow-fervantsand 
foldiers  do  fo  often  urge,  and  frequently  charge  and  command 
us  to  take  heed,  to  be  wane  or  circumfped ;  (piex  fore- lee,  be- 

N  2  ware 


Bto'sm, 


•gfn^fn. 


MX*' 


ir7i9X.*a*iTig, 


x8d  -*iht  Chriftbn  Conflict.         QnK*.9. 

\vare,or  take  heed,  M**$.i<s,  n. 38.5.9.  25.3?.  £*i8.i$. 

1  O.S  9.  </<*/.5  1,5 «  fW.3.1 2.  *  M.8.  Attentively  marke 
dnd  take  heed,  /l/4*.6\i.  7.15. 10.17.  i6\©\  i!.i2.L«^.i7, 
5.  10.46.^^.5.55.  16.14.  20.28. 1  T/w.4.13.  Hcb.l.x, 

2  "Pet.  i .  1 9.  Diligently  obferve,  or  take  heed,  1  Tim^.  1 6. 

Exacftly  confider  and  take  heed,  H*£.  31*.  1  Pet.s.i, 
Carnal!  and  curfed  fccurity^occafioned  and  increafed  in  the 
fans  of  men  by  the  glittering  pomp  and  dazling  profperityof 
Belials  brood,  who  wickedly  wallow  in  all  fwinifh,  fenfuaW, 
or  finfull  fecurity,  Pfai^j.  By  the  abufeof  Gods  patience  and 
long-fufferin&,  and  forbearance,  £cr/.8.iT.  And  their  owne 
irreligious  infidelity,  caufingthem  neither  to  credit,  norcaTe 
for  the  inevitable  and  intolerable  menaces  threatned  ;  nor  the 
ineffable  and  ineftimableprotnifed  mercies  by  the  immutable 
and  unchangeable  Iehovah  in  bis  fare ,  (acred  ,  and  celeftiaM 
Word,H*£.4.2.  they  efteeming  thefe  dreadfull  comminati- 
ons  therein  threatned,  and  the  gracious  and  gladfome  favours 
and  franchifes  therin  promifed  mcere  fool  i  (lines,  1  Cor.  1.1$, 
a  1, 25. This  pernicious  and  pclliferous  poyfonfull  of-fpringof 
damnable  unbelief  caufing  men  to  go  on,and  live  infin,nothing 
fearing  dangers  and  damnation,caufing  men  not  to  regard  at  all 
the  means  of  their  fal  vation,  but  to  give  tbernfelves  wholly  or 
principally  to  the  vaine,though  plaufib!e,pleafurcs  and  profits 
of  the  world;  making  men  to  diftruft  in  God,  (who  yet  is  juft 
and  faithfull,  1  lob.  1 .9  and  whole  promifes  are  yea  and  Amen, 
2  CV.t.2o.)and  totruft  in  the  abundance  of  their  own  riches* 
P/4/.52.7.  and  to  ftrengchen  them  (elves  in  their  wickedneffe; 
and  yet  thefe  are  not  to  be  trufted  in,they  being  but  uncertaine 
riches,  t  Tim.6.ij.  making  men  harden  their  owne  hearts  by 
refilling  the  Word ,  by  not  profiting  by  the  workes ,  by  not 
yeelding  to  the  motions  of  the  Spirit  of  God :  And  this  ma- 
king a  mans  condition  more  incurable,and  therefore  more  de- 
fperate  than  of  many  who  are  in  dolefull  defperation. 

7*^  beholding  their  finnes,and  being  fenfiblc  of  thcm;they 
not  feeing,and  remaining  fenflefic  of  them.  Thefe  groaning  & 
grieving  for  their  mifpent  timc,curfed  and  crooked  by-paths, 
and  defiring betters  they  pleafing  themfelves  iatheir  wayward 

and 


Chap.  io.  TbeChtiJlidnCjmftit.  t$I 

and  wicked  wandrings,  and  therefore  dcfirlng  fio  better* 
Thefe  earneftly  defiring  good  counfcll,  and  that  they  could 
embrace  it ;  they  neither  asking  nor  admitting  pious  and  god- 
ly counfell  and  inftrudion. 

Let  us  who  are  the  fouldiers  of  Chrift  Icfus  therefore  take 
heed.  But  to  what  muftwe  take  heed  ?  Of  what  muft  we 
beware  ? 

Some  things  there  are  to  which,  other  things  there  arc  of 
which  we  muft  beware. 

Firft,  the  things  which  muft  be  taken  heed  unto,are 

1 .  Our  felves,  Luke  17.3.  Take  heed  unto  your  felves. 

2.  Our  felves  >  and  thefe  ever  which  the  Lord  hath  made  us 
$verfeers,  Ails  20.28. 

3 .  Our  foules,  Dent .4.9 .  Onely  take  heed  unto  thy  felfe, end 
keepe  thy  foule  diligently. 

4.  The  Word  of  God,  1  Tim.  4.1 6.  T*k*  heed  unto  thy 
felfe  and  to  the  dotlrine.   Heb  2*1.  Therefore  we  ought  to  take 

the  more  earnesl  heed  to  the  things  which  we  have  heard ,  leafl 
at  any  time  we  fbould  let  them  flip.  2  7>et.  I .  I  p.  We  have  a 
more  fur  e  word  of  prep  he  fie,  where  unto  you  doe  well  that  you  take 
heed. 

Secondly,  The  things  which  irmft  be  taken  heed  of,  are 
1.  Sin  it  felfe  in  generall :  Some  particular  finnes  in  fpeci- 
all,  as  the  molt  dreadrull  and  dangerous,  namely, 
i.  Induration,  or  hardnefie  of  heart,  /yw.p.5,6,7* 
3 .  Apoftafie,  1  ry  ?   *ZTak*  heed  brethren  left  there  be  in  a* 
>    '  rV  ny  of  you  an  eviS  heart  of  unbelief e 

3.  Vnbeliefe,3^*iay  in  departing  from  the  living  Qod, 

4.  Hypocrifie,  W*/. d.  1 .16. Mar.%.\ 5 . Luke  12.I. 

5 .  Covetoufnefle,  Luke  12.15.  21.34. 

6.  Surfeiting  and  drunkenneffe,  Luke  2 1 .34. 

7.  Fornication,^  rj  /       QTake  heed  left  there  beany  for* 

>    e  ']?'<  nicdtenr  ,  or  prophant perfen, 
8.  Prophanefle,S   5'       £f*  Bfau. 
Thefe  and  other  finnes  are  the  cbiefeft  things  we  fliould 
take  heed  of. 

1 .  Sin  being  an  cvill  way  Jonah  3.8.  Yea  exceeding  evil). 

N  3  It 


t%%  The  chrifiUn  Conflut.       Chap.iO. 

It  being  an  uncomfortable  way  of  etarfeneffe,  leading  to  infop- 
portable,and  infcrnall  darknciTe,  i  /^.i.^.Itmifleadingout 
of  the  right  and  royall  way  of  Gods  commandements,  i  hh. 
3. 4.  and  It  leading  untoperdition,7y*/.i.i.e>. 
a.Sin(a!though  few  feel  ks  burdcn,either  becaufe  they  know 
it  not,or  they  judge  it  not  to  be  (in3or  fo  grievous,  or  they  be- 
leeve  not  Gods  Word,or  their  hearts  are  hardned,  or  they  are 
rot  tempted,or  becaufe  it^  being  in  them,  is  in  its  proper  place 
like  water  in  the  fea,or  becaufe  themfelves  are  dead,fo  not  fen> 
fibleof  weights  and  burdens)  being  a  terrible  oppreffing  ty- 
rant, Lt*k,.%  1 .34  and  intollerablc  insupportable  burden. 

I..  To  wicked  men,  and  Angels,  weighing  and'  preffing 
them  to  thatbottomleflc  pit  and  burning  lake,  where  there  is 
weeping>wailing,gnafhingof  teeth,  and  gnawing  of  flefh  for 
ever  and  ever, 

2\  Tothefinclifiedfoule,P/4/.3^.4.  forcingbim  toflica- 
maine  to  the  Lord  Iefus  for  cafe  and  fuccour,  fheltcrand  fup- 
jortation,  /W*mi.i8. 

g#  To  the  whole  creation,  caufing  it  to  groane  and  travaile 
inpaine  together  until  1  now,/fow.8.2». 

4.  To  the  Lord  h  knfelfe,  he  being  wearie  to  beare  its If*,  r . 
14.  and  prefled  under  it  as  a  cart  is  prefled  that  is  full  of 
fheaves,  AmoiiA  3. 

Sin  being  a  burden'  too  heavy  for  heaven  to  beare,  preffing 
the  Divcls  thence :  Too  heavy  for  Paradile,  expelling  Adam 
tbence:  Too  heavy  for  the  earth,  making  itreele  to  and  fro 
like  a  drunkard,  //*.  24.10.  Onely  hell  muft  beare  it. 

3,  Sinne  is  fhaoiefull,  (bame  being  a  fubfequent  of  finnc: 
either, 

1.  Shame,a  fruit  and  figne  of  repentance,  fV>\  31.19.  Zncb* 
13.4.  Rom.6A\. 

a.  Or  (hame,  a  punifbment  for  finne  upon  the  wicked  and 
nogodly,although  not alwayes here,  ltr.$  3.  6.15.  8.12. but 
onely  fomtimes,/*r.i.a6.yet  everlaftmgdiftxneand  confui?on 
are  certaine  confequents  of  (innes  unrepented  of  by  Gods  or- 
dinance and  juftice. 

a\.  The  occafions  of  fiane  are  to  be  taken  heed  of.  Evtfie** 

1& 


Chap.  lo.        7  be ChriftUn  tfwjliff.  18$ 

3*6.  *Z)i»^C7«f.34.i.finncd,notftiur.ningthcoccafions.  U" 
fephGen.39.10,  and  fob,  lob  3  t.i.  avoided  the  occafions,to  a* 
void  the  fin:  agreeable whereunto  are thofe divine direcli- 
ons,  Pro.  1.15.  My  fonne,  if  finr.ers  intice  thee,  confent  not» 
5.8.  Come  not  nigh  the  doore  of  her  houfe.  a  3.  3  1 .  Look  not 
on  the  wine,&  c.  To  avoid  and  decline  the  occafions  of  theft, 
whoredomcand  drnnkennefle;  itbeingaspoflibletakeepdry 
wood  laid  upon  the  fire  from  burning,as  to  preferve  cur  fclves 
from  fin  without  declining  its  occafions. 

3.  The  inftrumems  of  fin  arc  to  be  taken  heed  of?  namely, 
carnall  friends,evill  company  ,corrupt  and  falfe  teachers.  Mat. 
j.)$.'BewAre of falfe Prop bets.  AJat .10. 1 7 .'Beware  of  men* 
Mar  J  3.5.  Take  heed  lea  ft  any  man  deceive  jon.  Rom.  16.I7. 
OMarl^  them  and  avoid  them.  Col.  2.4, 8.  Beware  leaft  *nj  man 
fi&ilejou.  Pbil.$.l. 'Beware  of  dogs,  beware  ofevi/t  workers. 
We  are  Co  to  beware  of  thefe  inftrumems  of  fin  and  Satan,  as 
that  we  marke  and  obferve,  &un  and  avoid  them  ;  and  that 
they  do  not  deceive  and  delude  us. 

4.  Satan  that  fubtill  fcrpent,  the  authour  of  finne  is  to  be  ta- 
ken heed  of :  For  theDivell,  like  a  cunning  cleaver  of  wood, 
who  putteth  in  firft  a  little  wedge,that  it  may  make  roome  for 
a  greater,  untill  it  be  cloven  into  ftiivcrs,  firft  driving  to  enter 
into  mens  hearts  by  a  little  fi  n,then  by  a  greatcr,untill  he  hath 
divided  their  foules between  God  and  Belial,  and  foftuvered 
thcm,that  they  are  madefit  fewell  for  the  infernall  fire  of  hell: 
Take  heed  therefore  of  him. 

r.  Sinne  is  the  worke  of  that  wicked  one,  lobn  8. 44.  Ton 
are  of  jottr  father  the  Dive  11— and  the  wer\s  of  your  father  ye 
wit  doe.  1  Jchn  3 . 8.  Chrijl  came  to  deslrey  the  works  of  the 
DiveB.  Take  heed  therefore  of  Satan,  leaft  he  worke  in  our 
hearts  as  he  doth  in  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  difobedknee, 

Epb.2.2. 

a .  Take  heed  of  Satan,w  ho  is  the  enemy  of  mankind,  Mat • 
15.39.  Andouradverfary,  1  Pet.%.%.  Yea  that  wilie old  fcr- 
pent which  decciveth  the  whole  world,K*t/.  1 1.0.  therefore  a 
Qie  and  lubtill  enemie  which  will  leave  no  wayes  ^at- 
tempted, make  uic  of  all  advantages,  and  fit  his  enfnaring 

N  4  temptations 


X $4  Tfo  ChriftUn  Confli8.         Cniili  i. 

temptations  to  all  occafions.  That  ftrongman,0*/4f.i2.?p. 
tvho  hath  mightily  fhakenthe  beftraen  that  ever  breathed, 
Chrift  Iefus  onely  excepted,therefore  a  potent,and  powerful! 
enemy.  That  roaring  Lyon  walking  about  (eeking  whom  he 
may  devoure,  i  Pet .  5 . 8  and  ravenous  red  Dragon, Rev.i  a.  1 3. 
therefore  a  curfed,crueil  adverfary. 

3.  Take  heed  of  Sathan,he  being  fuch  an  enemie.  That  no 
man  can  matter  with  might,  or  deftroy  with  flrength  ;  That 
no  man  can  circumvent  with  policie,or  match  with  fubtilty  * 
Whom  no  man  can  allure  by  eloquence,  or  perfwade  by  flat- 
tery ;  Whom  no  man  can  efcape  from  by  flight,  or  efchuc  by 
fleeing. 

4.  Take  heed  of  Sathan,who  can  behold  and  fee  us,and  our 
moft  privie,fecret,  and  retired  words  and  actions.  Who  can- 
not be  feckided  from  our  privie  chambers,or  fecret  clofets  by 
locks,doores,or  all  fuch  like  fortifications ;  he  foing  fpirituall, 
and  therefore  quickly  in  any  place  :  Who  is  never  weary , not 
needs  any  refreshing  by  eating,drinking,  flceping,^c.  as  wee 
doe  and  therefore  hath  opportunity  to  husband,  and  manage 
even  thc(eoccafions,as  he  dotb,to  harme  and  hurt  us,.  1  T>ct.$  ,4 
$.  Seeking  al  waies  tto  devoure. 

Chap.   XI. 

2)^-  £  SouldUrs  mnflbe  wMchfnH. 

WAtchfullncflc  is  not  onely  as  expedient,but  alfb  asne- 
ceffiry  for*martiall  men  as  the  fore-mentioned  par- 
ticulars :  for  without  watchfull  vigilance  the  ftrength  of  Her* 
f#/#/,the-hardinefle  ofHeSlor,  the  nobleneiTe  of  Alexander y 
the  pollicie  ofPirrhw,  and  the  good  fuccefleof  ScifU  are  ta 
little  pur pofe. 

Scanderteg  that  terrour  to  Turkes,  and  mirrour  for  martial! 
men,  (  who  with  15000  difcomfi ted  the  ar niy  of  &4tu  Bajf4 
being  40000 :  who  with  the  lotle  of  20  horle,  and  5  0  foot 
Hew  5000  of  MtifiMpbaes  forces.  Who  with  4000  horfe* 
and  2©oofoot  encountred  Mufinpb^  and  with  the  loffe  of 

500 


Ch  h  f. 1 1 .  The  Chrifis*  C*rtftt3.  i  $  j 

300  menflew  toooo,  tooke  15  enfignes,  Mufttih*  bim- 
felfe,  and  1  *  others.  Who  with  6000  horfe  encountred  Dt- 
brtM  with  14030,  flew  him  hand  to  hand,  and  4120  of  his 
fouldiers.  Who  with  thelofTc  of  ioo  Chriftians,  and  So 
wounded  flew  1 1 000  Turkes  under  the  Command  of 
MojCes  atraiterous  revolter.  Who  with  the  lode  of  60  Chri- 
ftians  flew  fbme  fay  30000,  fome  (ay  20006  under  the  com- 
mand of  //4*<r^and  tAntefa  invading  Sfirw  with  55000. 
Who  with  8000  horfe  and  400:  foot  encountred  a:  once 
/tfr«f  with  1 6000,  and  Bd/tdine  with  20c  00  horfe  and  400s 
foote,  put  them  both  to  fiighr3flew  facxp  with  his  own  hands, 
flaughtered  24000  Turkes,  tookeocooprifoners,  and  might 
have  taken  BtUdine ;  but,  wearied  with  fight,  he  faid,  O  let 
fome  of  our  enemies  live  to  report  their  owr.e  daughter,  and 
our  viclory.  Who  with  his  owne  hands  at  feverall  times  flew 
3  ©00  Turkes)  by  the  negligence  ofhis  watch  at  one  time  loft 
2ooohorfe,and  3 000  foot. 

-It  hath  beene  ever  therfbre  the  conftant  and  continuall  care 
of  Cities,Common-wealths,  chiefe  Captaines  and  Comman- 
ders to  prevent  the  fubtill,  and  deceitfull'circumventings  of 
their  enemies  by  daily  and  diligent,  corftant  and  continuall 
watchfiillneffe.    Witnefle  not  onely  the  pradtiles  of  particular 
perfbns,as  of Sc**derbe£t  who  flept  but  two  houres  in  the 
night  untill  he  had  delivered  his  countrey,  and  of  particular 
places,as  of  the  femors  ckty  of  Thebes  y  which  in  each  of  it* 
100  lrrong  and  fumptuou*  gates  had  a  watch  of  200  horfe  5 
But  alfo  of  all  both  places  andperfons,who  in  their  cittics,anct 
armies  (efpecially  in  times  of  warre)  keepe  watch  and  ward 
ordinary  and  extraordinary,  towarne  them  of  danger  if  any 
be.    Therefore  we  have  need  to  wdtcb  much,  or  of  great  watch-- 
fhllneffe  ;   becAu(eTveb*ve  tl^rais:  VArre,  .tnd  no  truce ',  faith 
Chr j follow.    The  Scripture  therefore  doth  (tridtl y  prefle^and 
enjoy ne  with  fbveraigne  commandements,  fwcetly  per- 
fwade,and  induce  with  ferrous  allurements  all  Chriftian  com- 
batants to  watchfullneffe.  LMatth  14.4 1,43.  W*tch  therefore 
for y om know  **f  ,&C.  25.I3 .W4tcb tbcref or e,Uc.l6  4 1  JVAtcbrt 
4Dui  frsft  thtt  jau  euttr  mot  %*t$  uwnaiwn*  Lake  12.  37. 

2/ej[cA 


Cbi-f.Hom.i.^ 
inGcn.i.TdM. 


&6  £fo  chrtfiun  Cwflitl.         Chap,  in 

%lefed  are  thefefervants,  whom  the  Lord,  nhtnhee  commetb, 
fiattflftd  watching,  1  r  .3**.  VTachye  therefere^andpray  oiwaiet, 
Bcc.  l€er.i6.il.iy*tcbye,fta*dfaft,e£c.  iTkefc%4.Ltt*e 
watch^and  befobsr.  iTim,^.  Watch  thou  in  all  things,  i  Pet. 
4. 7.  'Be  ye  therefore fobtr>and  watch  unto  prayer.  5 .  %  3*  fiber ^ 
be  vigilant^  becaufe  jour  adverfary  the  Dwell  a*  a  rearing  Ly- 
Snwa/lzttbi&c*  In  which  Scriptures,  and  dive  rs  more,  which 
ule  this  military  wordjChriftlefos,  and  hisbleffed  Apoftlcs, 
like  wife  and  warlike  Captaines,  inftrucl  us  Chriftian  fouldi- 
crs  to  behave  our  felves  like  thofe  who  in  warre  are  appoin- 
ted continually  to  watch  in  fome  fconce,  watch-tower,  or 
other  eminent  place,  where  they  muft  rowfe  up  themfelves 
*2ek.j.i7.  throughly  that  they  flcepe  not :  pryingly  view  upanddownc 
2  Sam.  13.54.  every  where,and  defcrie  what  may  be  helpfull  or  hurtfuil  to 
2Reg.$.i7.   ^  thearmyorcitty. 

n*i*  of  nnx       The  word  in  Hebre  w  fignifying  a  watchman  is  derived  of 

a  word  (Tgnify  ing  to  fee  a  farre,to  efpie,to  confider  diligently: 

So  that  a  watchman  is  an  efpiall,  a  confiderer,  a  viewer,  an 

obfervcr. 

•>w  The  Greeke.  words  fignifying  watchmen,  and  watchfull- 

yfZfrwe  Men^  and to  watch,  fome  of  them  fignific  an  abftaining  from 

«f  iVfrfl>.  fleepe,to  awake  out  of  fleepe.  Some  a  keeping  guard,feeing  to9 

££f'  anobftrving. 

tfi**ifl+  .  In  the  Latine  tongue  the  word  (ignifying  watchfullnefle 

Vigiiia,ayi-     js  derived  by  fome  of  a  verbe  which  fignifieth  to  bee  ftrong 
wperevaMuin  *tod\ui\y9  to  have  force,  and  power,  wherefore  watchmen 
errobuftum      ought  not  to  bee  flothfuil,    faint,  and  lazie,  as  flccpers  are; 
•tfe>qH*fi  vim    but  fuch  who  are  in  livelinerTe  ftrength  and  vigour. 
agere;  quare  By  which  particulars  it  iseafie  to  be  feene  that  watchfull- 

vfgitesntn  nefle  is  a  military  word,  a  daily  duty  for  martiall  men  (and 
%T^u7  therefore  "for  us  Chriftian  fouldicrsj  and  what  it  is  ; 
fwtdormien-    namely, 

tesifed  qui  vi-  An  ear neft  care  to  1  ive  every  day  as  one  would  live  upon 
£Qrefi9jU»t.     his  dying  day,  or  upon  his  judgement  day. 

A  diligent  obferving  or'all  iuch  things  as  may  helpe  or  hin- 
der us  in  our  Chriftian  warfare. 
A  wary  diligence  whereby  we  looke  to  our  felves,  to  thofe 

offices 


Ch  a*  .  i  r ;         *  ie  chriflUn  Cnflilt.  i  S  7 

offices  we  take  in  hand,  and  thofe  things  which  appertaine  un- 
to them. 

A  carefall  obferving  of  our  hearts,  and  a  diligent  loo- 
king to  oar  waies,that  they  may  be  pleafing  and  acceptable 
to  God. 

A  diligent  obferving  of  our  danger?,  and  our  duties  therein 
to  be  performed.  •         -~ 

1. This  watchfnllnefTe  if  often  and  ordinarily  frequently  an<k  Retfins* 
forcibly  erpyned  by  our  gracious  faving  Soveraigne  and 
chiefe commander Chrift  lefus.  'JMarkt  13.37.  W&tch\  37* 
What  tfy  to  yon  I  fa/ to  a8,  W*ub. 

a.  This  is  a  duty  of  important,  and  urgent  neceffity. 

Both  in  regard  of  our  enemies  wi  h  whom  we  mud  en- 
counter ,  who  arc  for  number  innumerable,  for  malice  im- 
placable, for  labour  unwearied  ;  for  condition  and  quality 
fpirimall^nvifible^nercilefle ;  for  diligence  inceflant,  leaving 
no  (tone  unrolled,  no  meanes  unattempted  to  harme  and  de- 
ftroy  us. 

Asalfo  in  regard  of  fin,  againft  which  wc  muftcombatej 
and  of  which  wc  muft  needfully  beware  ^-This  being  of  fo 
kfubtill,deceitfull,  bewitching,  infinuating  nature,  that  where 
riiefeflnde  entrance,  and  can  get  admittance  they  doe  not  fb- 
litarily,  and  without  company. furprife  the  fecure  feduccd 
foule;  but  with  their  over-flowing  troupes  fiirioufly  flocking 
together  drive  to  furchargc  the  fame.    Witncne  Cain  unad- 
vised anger,  Gen.^.  which  produced  inveterate  wrath,  that 
barbarous  and  bloudy  murder,  that  defperation.    Witnefle 
Ddvidj  idlencffe,  which  occasioned  luft,  adultery,  murder,. 
a  S*m.  1 1 .  And  that  it  may  the  more  eafily  enfoare  and  in- 
veigle us  with  its  bewitching  guiles,it  fawnes,  and  fleeres  up- 
on us  with  a  painted  fece  polifhing  over  its  peftiferous  pollu- 
tions with  plaufible  and  pleafing  pretences  of  piety,  ofprovi* 
dence,  good  husbandry,. good fellowftiip,of decency ,devo- 
tion,&c.  Watchfullnefle  therefore  is  very  needrull.    For. 
the  greater  danger  wee  are  in,  or  fubjecYunte;  the  more 
watch  full  and  carerull  wee  muft  bee  for  our  ownc  and  others, 
ifety.. 

3,  TOi 


i  o  o  i  nc  wrtjttdn  wnput.  C  H  A  P .  1 1 . 

$.  This  feafpeciall  private  helpe  to  the  publiqueexercifes 
of  religion.  It  is  the  firfl:  and  principall  private  helpe  by  good 
and  right  reafon,  this  being  as  an  eye  to  fee  them  all  well,  and 
rightly  done  and  ufed  :  Yea  this  muft  bee  a  continued 
conjoyned  Companion  to  all  Chriftian  performances.  Wee 
are  to  watch  unto  prayer,  Epbef,6.i  8.  namely,  to  get  ability 
to  pray ,and  that  aright,  to  the  occafions,  and  opportunity  ef 
prayer,  to  the  fucceife  and  event  of  prayer.  We  are  to  watch 
tinto  prayer,  that  we  not  to  be  feenc  of  .men  like  hypocrites, 
thatweufe  not  vaine  repetitions  as  the  heathen,  CM*tth%6. 

We  are  to  watch  unto  hearing,  L*^.8.i8.  namely,  that  we 
heare  with  faith,  and  confidence,  with  fubmiffion,  willing 
affent,and  purpofc  to  obey. 

We  are  to  watch  in  our  workes  of  mercy,  that  we  doe 
them  not  to  be  feene  of  men,  that  our  left  hand  do  not  know 
What  our  right  hand  doth,tjifattb.6ti  ,2,3. 

We  are  to  watch  unto  fafting,  that  in  this  we  approve  our 
fclves  to  our  father  in  fecret,  that  he  may  reward  us  openly, 
JMattb.6.1%.    . 

4,  The  belt,  and  braveft,  the  mod  wife,  and  worthy  foul- 
diers  in  this  our  warfare  neglecling  or  fecurely  fleighting  their 
Chriftian  watch,  have  fearefully  fallen,  fhamefully  beene  foy. 
led,  and  fupplanted,  and  dangerouQy  deceived  through  the 
foddaine  Tallies  and  furprifalls,  the  vigilant  underminings,  and 
violent  encounters  of  our  virulent  and  unwearied  affailantSi 
WitnefTe  Ad*m  and  Eve,  Gen.%.6.  7)4vid9  that  man  after 
Gods  owne  heart,2  Stm.  1 2.  SAlom$nytbz  blefled  of  the  Lord, 
and  many  more. 
Vfi  It  Be  wenot  therefore  careleffe,  and  negligent  in  this  impor. 

tant  duty,like  unto  the  palpable  prophane  worldling,  and  the 
fottifti  fecure  Chriftian. 

Is  it  not  a  wonder  to  fee  how  extraordinary  vigilant  men 
are  for  the  procuring*  protecting,  and  prefervation  of  the  fend 
and  fading  tranfeunt  temporary  trafhy  trifles  (I  fpeakecom-; 
paratively)  of  this  life  :  So  that  if  acitty  or  countrey  is  irr 
danger,  we  neglecl  not,  but  carefully  keepeconftant,    and: 

con- 


Chap. ii.        The  Chrifian  CtnfiiB.  1S9 

continuall  watch  and  ward  to  prevent  inrode*,  innhdations,o* 
any  other  imminent  perills.  Ifour  houfes  are  in  danger  of  ri- 
fling and  robbing ;  if  our  bodies  are  in  danger  of  dreadfulldi- 
ieafes,and  difmall  death  we  double  oht  diligence  toprefervc 
our  goods  from  pilferers,  and  to  iecure  our  bodies  from  {ad- 
ding ficknefles,  and  dr  eadfull  death.  Is  it  not  I  fay  a  wonder 
to  confider  ho w  watchfull  we  all  are  for  the  prefervation  of 

.  thefe  impotent  and  inferiour  favours,  and  how  carelefleand 
negligent  the  moft  are  to  keepe  this  fpirituall  watch  which 
concerneth  our  immortall,and  inefrimable  well  fere  or  woe, 
the  everlafting  happinefle  or  horrour  of  our  precious  fbules? 
Would  we  not  judge  that  man  a  mirrour  of  madnefle  which 
would  clofcly  keepe,  and  fafely  guard  his  windowes  to  {hut 
out  filly  feeble  neglected  flies,  and  leave  his  doores  and  gates 
wide  open  and  unregarded ;  So  that  fierce  and  formidable, 

'Ciir(randcrueM,{avageandimmercifull  ravenous  beads;  bar- 
barous and  bloudy  men  might  have  free  ingredience  to  rent, 
and  teare,to-confume  and  devoure  ? 

Would  we  not deeme  that  man  afooleof  all  fboles  which 
would  diligently  guard  and  defend  dung  and  dro(fe;and  difre- 

gard  gold,  pearles,  and  precious  (tones  -y  yea  fo  that  with  little 
dimcultVjif  not  with  great  facility,evcry  fraudulent  felon,  and 

purloining  pilferer  might  {kale  away ,and  at  hisplcafure  fpoile 

Mm  of  them?  Certaincly  yes. 

And  are  not  the  greateft  number  of  men  foch  franticke  bed- 

lams,and  witlefle  foolcs,keeping  conftant,and  diligent  watch. 

againftfraile  and  feeble  mortall  men  for  the  fafe  keeping  of 

their  goods,  bodies,  and  other  like  of  leffeavaile,  and  giving 

free  liberty  to  Sathan,  and  his  adherents  to  ransacke  and  rifle, 

ro difpoile  and  deftroy  their  precious,  yea  peerelefle  foales  ?  I 

would  they  were  not. 

This  want  of  watchfull  neffe  hath  beene,  and  therefore      " 

ftill  is  a  prime  and  principall  caufe  of  much  evill,  many  fins, 

great  fharae,  bitter  griefe  and  fbrrow  to  our  firft  parents,  to 

2>4vi^,and  to  whom  not  ? 

Labour  wee  to  know,  and  learne,  ftrive  to  bee  rightly  Vfit* 

inftraftedw,  and  preffe  wee  forward  to  the  pra&ife  of  this 

pre* 


I0O  The  Chiftun  Conflict.  Chap.ii, 

prevailing  and  important  duty  of  watcbfullnefle. 
^Motives.  I  -This  adding  vigour  and  victory  to  our  petitions,  enabling 

us  to  pray  more  powerfully,  and  prevailingly,  CM*t.26.q  r« 
Watch  and  pray  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation, 

2.  This  being  a  meanes  to  obtaine  conftancy, certainty  ,refb- 
lution,and  perfeverancein  well-doing,  Sphef.6. 1 8.  WatMng 
thereunto  with  all  per  fever  ance, 

3 .  This  difpefing,  and  fetting  the  fbule  in  order  to  doe  all 
things  aright  in  regard  of  manner,  and  end,  iofincerity,  with 
delight,  with  our  hearts  to  the  Lord,checrefully. 

4.  This  enabling  us  to  difcerne  and  know  (it  difcovering 
unto  us)  our  own  particular  eftate  and  condition.  Then  which 
knowledge  what  more  ufefall  ?  Then  which  ignorance  what 
more  uncomfortable,  what  more  unprofitable  ? 

5.  This  fadiioning  and  fitting  us  to  receive  and  entertainc 
the  Lord  Iefus  at  his  comming,and  whatfoever  he  fends  in  the 
meanc  time,  Mattb.i4.46. 

6.  This  fortifying  us  again  ft  fpirituall  dangers :  So  that 
hereby  we  are  prepared  for  temptations,  Lnke  2 1 . 3  6.  enabled 
to  encounter  with  them,  Sphef 6.  ancj  procure  a  good  iflue 
out  of  them,  t»ke  21.34.  So  that  hereby  we  may  forefee  the 
better  to  flee  from  and  prevent  the  furious  and  fawning 
a  (faults  of  our  deceitfull  and  dreadfull  enemies. So  that  by  this 
we  may  be  freed  from  fpirituall  drcames  and  fancies^  enabled 
to  weaken  the  body  offin,  to  cleanfe  our  waies,  to  avoide  or 
cover  our  infirmities. 

7.  This  hath  fpeciall  promifes  of  bliffe  propofed,  to  pro- 
voke and  pricke  us  forward  to  the  performance  hereof,  Rev. 
1^.15.  Bttfeduhetkatwatchctb.  Mattk.iq at&.lSIeffedit 
tHiefervtHty&c. 

8.  This  duty  being  of  abfolute  neceffiry.    Notonelyinre* 

fard  of  the  infirmity  ofour  fk{h,Matth.  2  6.4 1.  the  fnaring 
eights  and  fubtilticsofthe  world  and  Divel!,  1  Ptt.5,2.  and 
the  uncercainecommingof  Chrift  to  judgement, Mar.  13.33. 
But  alfb  to  fhun  and  avaide  thofe  terrible,and  dreadfull  mena- 
cing comminatioris  threatned  by  the  unchangeable  irefull  Cm 
re  vengi  ng  Iehovah  againft  the  fleighters  an4  negledera  of  this; 


Ch  h  p\  i  r .  The  cbrijlU*  Confitf.  1 9 1 

fo notable  and  necdfull  duty,  Rev.%^.  If  therefore  thou  [halt 
not  watch  I  will  come  on  thee  04  atheefe.  and  then  (bait  not 
know  what  houre  Iwillcome  en  thee.  Mattb/i^  50,51,  Tb$ 
Lord  of  that  fcrvaht  will  come  in  a  day  when  hec looketh  not 
for  him,  a* dm  anbonre  that  bee  is  not  aware  of3  and  [hall 
c*t  him  him  in  [under,  and  appoint  him  bis  portion  with  hj* 
focrites. 

Bee  wee  all  (fellow  fouldiers)    watchfull  Chriftians,  yre  ~ 
namely 

i.Such  whofe  delight  is  in  the  facred  fhining  Word  of  God,  Signet. 
which  is  a  light  to  our  feete,and  a  lanthorne  to  our  paths,  PfaL 
1 1  p.  1 05 .  Taking  heed  unto  our  waies  according  unto  the 
fame,  Pfal,  119.9.  As  they  "who  are  watchfull,  and  willing 
fo  to  continue,  take  pleafure  in,  make  great  account  of,  and 
have  a  continuall  conftant  eye  unto  gladfome  lights,  and  uner- 
ring directions. 

2.  Such  whofe  defire  is infatiable  to  mfinuate,  and  infert 
our  felvcs  infeparably  into  the  fincere  fociety  of  wife  and  wa- 
ry Chrift  ians,who  may  helpe  and  availe  us^  much  to  kecpe  us 
watchful!.  He  If.  I 0.2  3,24,25.  Not  for  faking  the  ajfcmblin^ 
together  at  the  manner  offome  isy&c.  No  whit  affecting  evill 
companions,  flcepie,  and  dead-hearted  Chriftians.  As  they 
who  are  vigilant,  and  carefull  fo  to  perfift,  love,and  like  well, 
dcfire,  and  delight  in  the  company  of  watchfull  and  waking 
companions,  whofeaflbciationaffordeth  much  helpe  and  afTi- 
\vsjc.  Little  regarding,  much  leflfe  requiring  the  fruitleflc 
fellowship,  and  unprofitable  preience  of  fnorting  deepen,  or 
dead  men,  the  fruition  of  theie  affording  no  furtherance  unto, 
but  rather  fruftrating  their  intentions. 

2.  Such  whofe  hearts,and  affections  are  fet  upon  things  a- 
bove,  not  on  things  below,  being  afliiredthat  our  life  is  hid 
with  Chrift  in  God,  and  that  when  Chrift  our  life  fliall  ap- 
peare  we  alfo  (hall  appeare  with  him  in  glory,  Col,  3^,3,4. 
having  our  converfation  in  heaven,  looking  for  the  Saviour, 
the  Lord  Ic  fus,  Phil  3 .  20. 

Such  who  are  carefull  to  curbe,  and  keepe  out  tneoccafi* 
ons,and  beginnings  of  fin,  taking  ftri£t  notice,  as  watchmen 

doe, 


192  The  chrifiidti  Cwjlitt.         Chap.1  il 

doe,  what  wee  admit,  or  permit  to  paffe  by  our  outward 
members  into,  or  from  our  of  our  hearts.  For  without  all 
doubt. 

If  we  doc  notaffcdt,  and  delight  in  the  Word  of  God, 
which  is  a  light  to  our  feete,  aid  a  lanthorne  unto  our 
paths. 

If  we  affeft  corrupt  companions,  and  can  comfortably  en- 
dure to  be  with  e  vill  men,  and  dead-hearted  Cbriftians. 

I  four  hearts  are  wholly  carried  away  with  the  world,after 
our  callings. 

If  we  keepenot  our  the  beginnings,  and  occafions  of  fin. 
We  do  not  watch. 
f  AV  Watch  wee  therefore.     But  over  what  fhould  wee 

2^rvfau^e  watch? 

and  t»w.C  *  r^>  Over  all,and  every  of  our  thoughts,  words,and  ani- 

ons, P/aL  1 9 . 1 .  //kid  I  vilt  take  heed  unto  mj  w*ics.  'David 
did,  we  therefore  ought  to  keepe  a  conftarir,  and  continual! 
watch  over  all  our  waics. 

RcafiXil  Becaufe  the  dreadful],  and  difadvantageous  dangers,  to 

which  we  are  fub/e&,  'are  durable,  yea  conftant  and  continu- 
al! :  Oar  fatall,and  formidable  foes  continually  fighting  againft 
«s :  Our  many  mighty  malicious  enemies  being  painefull  and 
laborious  to  encounter  and  environ,to  enfnare  and  intangle  us; 
yea  fo  that  we  are  never  fafe  and  fecure  from  Sathans  tempc- 
ftuous,and  tyrannizing  temptations. 

Noplace  can  patronize  or  protect,  fafeguard  or  fecur^* 
from  the  (lie,  andfubtill,  direfall  and  dangerous  darts  of  the 
Divell.  Witneffe  paradife  that  peculiar  peerelefle  pavillion 
of  this  world,  that  dainty,  and  delightrull  Ede*9  and  garden 
of  God,  that  immaculate  inamouring  pleafant  place  decked, 
and  invefied  wkh  innocent  integrity ,  wherein  our  firft 
parents  were  ftrongly  aflailed  by  the  fubtill  fcrpent,and  fhame- 
ftlly  foyled. 

No  company,  no  manner  of  conforts,  or*  confederates  can 
conferve,and  confirme  againft  the  contagious  circumventings; 
and  confronting  conflicts  of  the  red  Dragon.  Witnefle  the 
fearefull,  yea  final!  and  damnable  fall  of  ludas,  a  coadjfutour 

with 


Chap.ii.'       ihcChrt^UnConfiEi.  19$ 

with  the  Apoflles,  a  companion  in  their  labours,  a  comfort 
of  their  communion ,  and  a  feleded  fervant  in  Chrifts 
family. 

No  condition,  calling,or  eftate  of  life  can  exclude,  or  keepe 
out,  exempt  or  priviledge'us  from  the  execrable  excurfions  of 
the  evill  one,  Witnefle  that  patheticall  pious  prayer,  of  Agar^ 
Pr*.%0.8»  Give  me  neither  poverty ynor  riches  Icafti&c. 

No  degree  of  Chriftianity  can  divert,  or  turne  from  us, 
defend,and  free  113  from  the  dreadfull,  diabolical],  and  tempe- 
fiuous  temptations  of  Sathan.  Witnefle  Ad*m  aflaulted  in  his 
fpotlcfle  innocency.  Witnefle  'Davids,  man  after  Gods  own 
heart,  provoked  by  Sathan  to  number  Ifracl,  1  Chron.i  1 . 1. 
Witnefle  Peter  a  valiant  and  couragicus  Champion  of  Chrifr, 
winnowed  by  the  wicked  one,£*£.  7  2. 3 1 .  Witnefle  Paul  a 
victorious  &  vigilam ,and  unwearied,  and  laborious  workman 
in  the  Lords  vineyard,  buffeted  by  the  meflenger  of  Sathan, 
2  Cor  a  2.7.  Witnefle  Chrift  Iefus  the  only  begotten  Son  of 
Godjthe  only  Saviour  of  man,and  mediatour  betweene  God, 
and  man.the  Lamb  without fpot and  blemifh,!  Pff.3a8.who 
never  did  any  thing  amifle,  I/a, 53.9  .£*£,  2  3 .4 1 .  was  let  upon 
with  terrible,and  treble  temptations, Mat. 4.  Yea  the  deareft 
of  Gods  children,  and  fervants,  who  are  the  mod  eminent  for 
parts  &  graces,being  fitted,  and  called  out  for  the  bigheft,  and 
moft  honourable  ferviccs  muft  lookc  for  greatefttentations,  & 
moft  of  all  to  be  molefted  with  the  Divell.  For  as  tyrannizing 
tyrants  offer  not  violence  to  the  vaft  and  vanqui(hed,buc  to  the 
refitting  cities,&  corporations,  which  are  replete  and  repleni- 
shed with  riches  &  revenues.  As  pillaging  pirats  aflaile,and  fct 
upon  not  evacuated  and  empty,  but  the  wealthy  and  richly  la- 
den fhips.  As  theevifh  robbers  will  not  mind  to  meddle  with 
rogues.and  beggars  but  the  well-monied  travellers  :  So  Satan, 
the  worft  and  vileft  of  pirats,theeves,  and  tyrants  will  be  dea- 
ling with  them  who  have  rich  booties  of f pirituall  treafurejra- 
eeth  and  takes  on  moft  againft  fuchwho  arerefcuedoutofhfs 
Qavery  by  the  power  of  Chrift.  Labouring  with  all  his  fraud, 
and  force  to  retaine  and  recover  his  prey.  When  did  the  divell 
tempt  tsfdamybut  when  he  wasliketheima^eof  God?  Whew 

O  did 


X9+  mj0ei*0rtjruvL**juc9.  \-baf.ii# 

&ii  he  tempt  1*k?K  but  when  he  had  his  fathers  bleffing,  inci- 
ting EfMti  againft  him  ?  Wfc  *n  did  he  tempt  /4&eB>  but  when 
his  (acriSce  pleafed  the  Lord  r  and  then  he  ftirred  up  Cain  to 
kill  him.  When  did  he  tempt  Uby  but  whcnG  xl  faid  lie  was  a 
good  man  ?  As  long  a*  *?*«/  was  among  the  high-priefts,  hce 
was  in  great  authority,  credit,  and  countenance,  but  when  he 
was  turned  to  Chrift,  hce  was  many  waies  aflaulted  by  the 
deighrs  of  Satan.Thefe  are  fpeciall  eye- fores  to  Satan,  &  a  faire 
marlce  for  the  arrowes  of  his  testations.  Thefe  doe  mod  of  all 
feekc  the  ruine,  and  doe  mod  of  all  harme  and  hurt  the  Divelt 
kingdome,  feekingthe  impayringand  ruining  thereof  with 
their  utmoft  endeavours ;  and  therefore  he  cannot  but  hate,and 
feeke  to  hurt  thefe  moft.  Since  therefore  no  place,no  compa- 
ny, no  cftate  of  life,  nor  degree  of  Chriftianity  can  fecure  us, 
but  wee  are,  and  mud  be  in  continuali  danger  weemuft  ne- 
ceflarily  bee  carefull  to  keepe  a  conftant,  and  continual! 
watch. 

Becaufe  we  are  tofcrve  God  al  the  daies  of  our  X\vt%>L*kju 
75  .yea  with  all  the  parts  and  faculties  of  our  foulet  and  bodies  , 
I  CW.6.10.  It  is  therfbre  a  matter  of  urgent  neceflity  to  be 
watchftill  overall  our  thoughts,words,  and  a&ions,that fo  we 
may  (avingly  ferve  our  good  and  gracious  God,  yeildingunta 
him  abfolute  obedience  without  any  exception  ofany  his  com- 
mandements,  M*u\  8.10.  totall  pbei&ncc  with  foule  and  bo- 
dy,ferving  him  folely,  1  Car.8.6\not  him,and  fin,  or  Satan;for 
his  (acred  fcrvice  cannot  fubiiftand  ftand  with  the  fcrviceof 
Divels,i  O.io.to.  With  the  fcr  vice  offin,  Jta».6.i7,igc 
WithtbcferviceofAntichrift,  l  hb.+%.  Withtheierviceof 
Idols,i  King+i  8. 2 1 .  With  the  fervice  of  riches,  kM**j&  24. 
or  with  thefervice  of  thebellie,P&/.3.i  8,19. 

Becaufe  we  muft  be  countable  for  all  our  thoughts,  words, 
and  actions.  The  Lord  will  render  to  every  man  according  to 
Ws  dccds,Rom.*.6.¥or  every  idle  word  that  men  (hall  fpeake, 
Aey  muft  give  account  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgement,  Aist  % 
I  2.  1 6.  And  God  will  judge  the  fecrets  of  men  by  Iefus  Chrift,, 
Rom. 1.  1 6.  It  (lands  us  in  hand  therefore  to  keepe  a  continued 
conftant  watch  over  all  our  thoughts,  words/md  a&ions. 

Be 


IV: 


Chap.ii.  ThtChiflUnC$nJliB.  iff 

Be  we  not  therefore  in  tlie  number  of  thofe  ■mvife,«mw«yf 
and  carele  flc  Chriflians,  who  watch  by  fits,  and  flafhes,  ata 
Communion,on  a  Lords  day,in  feme  mcrs  company, or  fbme 
fuch  fpeciaUoccafiononly  ;tu  take  full  liberty  to  wallow  in 
worldlinefle,  and  other  wickednefle,  to  live  licentioufly  at 
other  times,and  occafions.  For  to  v:atch,and  ward  warily ,and 
vigilantly,  and  after  to  give  free  entrance  and  admittance  to  an 
enragedenemy  is  to  little  or  no  purpofe;  yea  it  doth  aggravate 
the  exaf  perated  foe,  fruftrate  and  annihilate  all  future  and  for- 
ager performances. 

But  let  us  carefully,  and  conftantly  keepe  a  continuall 
watch. 

t .  This  direftlydi&rencingus  from  hollow  hearted  hat-  UKbtivm* 
ting  hypocrites,and  d  ifloyall  diflemblers,  who  may  watch  in 
fliew,and  for  a  time  :  and  deciphering  us  credibly  to  be  with- 
out contradiction  Chriiiians  indeed. 

a.  This  afluredly  afcertaining  us,  that  we  are  in  that  holy, 
and  happy  condition,  intbatblened,  and  bcncficiail  Hate  of 
grace,a  fruitfull  forerunner  of  immortall  glory. 

3.  This  inakirg  us  to  be  punctual ly,arl3  precifcly  preft,  and 
prepared alwaies  to  receive,  and  entertaine  Chriftlcfui  our 
Soveraigne  and  Supreme  Lord,  Af «/  14. 46.  our  blcfled  and 
beneficial!  Bridegroome,/fc/*M5.io.  And  to  be  alwaies  rea- 
dy toundergoe  voluntarily  with  vigour,  and  vi&ory  whatfoe- 
ver  odious  obftacles,  and  offer  five  cpprcfllng  occurrences  op- 
pofe  us  in  the  meane  time  in  this  our  warring  pilgrimage. 

4.  This  unwearied  vigilance  Securing,  and  freeing  us  from 
an  innumerable  intricate  infharements,  and  a  numberleCfe  fete 
of  fraudulent  guiles,  and  fubuil  Satanicall  Heights  of  the  Di- 
vill,i  Ptt.1.%. 

5.  Thisftrengthening,  and  enabling  ustokeepealwaiei  a 
good  confeience  void  of  offence  towards  God,  and  man,vV#. 
24.  \6  By  which  our  pretious  faith  is  confirmed,  and  conser- 
ved,! lob.  3  .ai.  By  which  we  clafpe  hold  upon,  and  con joyne 
our  felves  in  a  comfortable  communion  with  lefus  Chrift, 

6.  This  wary  and  continuall  watchfollne  fle  over  our  (elves 

O  a  in, 


Riaf.v 


in,anu  cuuiccnaanunngusujacuic  luiuui  iiuiu  win  aivvaiLS 
watch  over  us  for  our  good,  P/4/.37. 52,53,34. 

Let  us  therefore  be  al ivaies  watchfull  in  all  our  waies,  and 
aclions,that  we  thinke,fpeake,and  do  good,Sea(onably  in  time 
ficting,and  convenient, A4*t  2  5.3,ii.Conftantly,witnout  cea- 
fir.g,and  intermiflion,  Lui^i  1.35. 

Secondly  ,Over  our  hearts  we  ought  to  be  watchfull,  yea  Co 
as  to  guide,  and  guard  them  with  double  diligence,  with  fpe- 
ciall  ftri6tne{fe,and  our  beft  and  utmoft  endeavours, Deut  4  p. 
Onely  take  hesd  to  tbyftlfe^tnd  keepe  thyfoft/e  diligent  fj.Pre,^, 
2$*Keepe  thy  heart  with  aU  dilig9nce>&c. 

Thcfe  are  the*  well-fpring,and  beginning  of  good  or  evill,all 
goodnes,and  all  (in  breeds  &  begins  in  the  h  eart.  Thef  e  are  the 
feateandfinkoffin,  theroote,  and  fbuntaineofallfilthineflc, 
^^ij.35:.U^r.7.2!.Z«^.6.45.W^.i2.i5.Thefearethc 
wombes  wherinfin  is  conceived,hatched,and  harboured, Luk* 
22.^.^.5.3.^^.1.14.  yeafromhence  are  theiffuesof  life, 
Pro  4.2  ?.So  thathell,or  heaven,life  or  death  is  from  the  hearr, 
Thefeare  the  moft  precious,and  unmatchable  things  which 
wepoffcfle,farrefurpafTingin  worth,  and  true  valuation  the 
pleafures,pompe,and  proflrs  of  this  whole  world,  Afar.  8  3  r», 
37.  Hence  is  it  that  the  Lord  our  God,  whofe  we  are,  aid 
whom  wee  ought  to  ferve,  likes,  and  loves  beft,  beholds 
^nd  looks  at  especially  ,commends,and  calls  for  mofl  the  heart, 
and  its fmcerefer vice,  7^^,25.26.  Hence  is  it  likewifc  that 
Sathan  labours  with  tooth  and  naile,  feekes  for  with  might 
and  maine  to  pilfer  away, poffefle,  and  captivate  the  heart  of 
man ;   this  being  the  chiefeft  caftle  and  citadell  in  us  little 
worlds  to  fway  and  over-rule ,  to  checke  and  command  the 
reft :    yea  -and  the  prime ,  and  principall  poffeiTour  and 
prcferverpf  themoft  choice,  and  chiefeft  gifts,  graces,  and 
good  things  wee  doe  or  can  enjoy.   Yea  and  hence  it  is, 
that  that  malicious  enemy  of  mankind  cares   not  how 
much,  and  often  men  pray,  heare,#r.   but  is  well  enough 
content  that  men  bee  frequent  in  all  fuch  like  performan- 
ces   ( and  therefore  hee  little  mplefts  fuch  men ,  which 
fatisfie  themselves  in  outward  formes)  fo  bee  their  hearts 

bs 


Ch  a  p  .i  i  ?        Ti*  ChrifHw  fl/ijliff.  I  $7 

bcc  rorten,  and  naugh^  and  fo  his  owne. 

Thefe  areexpofed  to  very  many,  and  divers  dangers  in  re- 
gard of  our  owne  curfed  corruptions,  Sathans  fubtilties,  ri- 
ches, pleafures,  preferments,  and  wicked  men.  And  wee 
by  them  are  in  great  hazard,  and  lie  open  to  innumerable  pe- 
rills.Thefe  being  deceitfull  above  all  things,  ler.if.g.  Thefe 
being  ready  to  run  away  from  God,  and  good,  from  gotlli- 
Eeflfe  and  gracious  performances,  If*.  29. 1 3.  Thefe  being  ea- 
fily  ftolen  away  by  the  vanities  of  this  world,  the  deceitfull 
dclufions  of  Satan,  and  the  guilefull  {kights  of  our  own  finfull 
flefli. 

Thefe  are  they  that  bring  all  into  order,  and  good  frame, 
or  contrarily  diflemper  anddifordcrall.  In  the  naturallbody 
the  heart  may  bee  found  and  good;,  yetthe  hands  withered, 
the  eyes  blind,  the  feet  lame,  the  whole  body  difeafed. 
But  in  the  fpirituall  man  if  the  heart  is  found  and  fub- 
ftantiall ,  the  eye  is  not  proud ,  not  wanton ;  the  eare  is 
not  deafe ,  but  open  and  attentive  to  good  counfell ,  the 
hand  is  not  withered,  but  fruitfull  and  open  to  diftribute,  to 
doe  good. 

1  Its  therefore  a  matter  of  greateft  moment,  and  chiefeft 
confequence  to  guide  and  guard,  to  watch  and  ward  our 
hearts. 

That  thefe  our  precious  pearles  be  not  ftollen  away,and  wrc 
difpoiledofthem. 

That  thefe  be  not  diftained  and  defiled :  that  fo  wee  may 
preferve  and  prefent  them  chad  virgins  to  Chrift,  a  C*rm 
11. 2. 

That  thefe  fountaincs,  and  ftorehoufes  of  our  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions  bee  not  annoyed  :  that  fo  out  of  the  good 
treafurie  of  our  hearts  we  may  bring  forth  good  things,  M*t. 

12.35. 

That  thefe  be  not  flony,thornie,high-way,and  fo  graceletfc 

grounds,and  barren  fields :  that  fo  they  may  be  fertile  fields, 
and  good  ground, ^4^.4.2  o. 

That  thefe  forts  and  holds  formerly  potfefled  by  the  ftrong 
nan  of  mifchiefe  the  divell ,a$  his  principall  palace*  ,and  prime 

O  3  places 


1^8  The  Chrifti4»  ConflM.         Chap,  f  i. 

places  of  refidence  being  recovered  out  of  bis  rigorous  and  he!- 
lifti  flavery  by  Chrift  lefus  that  victorious, and  invincible  Ly. 
onoftheTnbeofIudah,4^*>\3  27.be  not  regained  by  Satan, 
reduced,  and  reclaimed  Co  bis  Satanicali  flavery^nd  reeftabli- 
fhed  under  hi3  tyrannicall  regiment:  for  which  ends,and  pur- 
pofeSjthatbe  may  reentcr,ru!e,and  reigne  againe,  yea,  &  witfr 
feven  other  fpirks  more  wicked  then  hirnfclf,  /W^r.12.44,4^ 
hedotb  continually  beleaguer,  begirt,  &beftege,&alwaies  af- 
file us  with  terrible  temptations  his  mod  forcible  batteries. 
That  fo  they  may  be  rich,&  royall  treasuries  repleniftied  with* 
and  referving  the  pure  precious,  and  peerelefle  graces  of  Gods 
fpirit,and  his  facrra  Word,  2  Cer. ^.Col. 3. 16. yea 6c that  fo 
they  may  be.  holy  haSitacions  ofthe  God-head  >the  rather  dwel- 
ling and  abiding  h  them  by  hi s  (bn,the  fon  by  the  fpirit,and  the 
Motives  and  fpirit by  his  graces.  1  Cor.  5.16.2  fir .6, 16. 
Meanes.  Which  if  (and  that  we  may)  doe. 

KaturabuiM-  I#  gvefj  and  alwaies,  earnedly,  and  inceffantly  without 
niutfi™&apTQ-  intermifiionimploy  them  well,  not  fuffering  them  to  bee  at 
ma  admotL  any  time  idle,  or  ill  imployed.  Thefe  are  in  continual!  agita- 
Sen.de  tran-  tion,.and  conftarit  motion  and  meditation;  carefully  there-^ 
quU.anirnzc.i.  forc  keepe  them  clofe  earnellly  to  mind,  and  mufe  upoh 
f!%r1H:  things  good  and  godly,  pious  and  profitable  :  For  as  the  Mill- 

in  motion  turning,  and  rolling ab^ut  in  its  fwificft  volubility, 
and  turning  motion  doth  forcibly  and  effectually  worke  upon 
fuch  materialls  men  load  it  with,  exquifitely  grinding- grids 
of  all  forts  oPgraine  for  the  bchoofe  and  benefit  of  mankind  : 
Or  fordidly  foiling  itfelfe,  breaking,  and  bruifing  in  pieces, 
with  fury  andviolenc:  foule  and  filthy  rubbifti  if  put  and.pow- 
red  into  it,  or  being  emptied  and  evacuated  of  objefts  from; 
without,  doth heate  and  harme,  fire  and  inflame,,  gnawing; 
and  grating  upon  it  felfe  incommodioufiy  and  inceflantly  : 
Even  fo  the  mind  of  man  in  motion  alwaies  dcth  either  ear- 
neftly  mind  and  thinke  upon  divine  and  fruitfull  meditations  5  • 
tire  and  trouble  it  felfe  with-  difturbing  difquieting  dffcon-- 
tents,  with  concruciating  carking  cares,  with  trivial!,  yet 
turbulent  trifles,  or  other  fuch  like  vicious  and  vitiating  va-- 
Wiess  Orelfedothwafte,  weare,  and  weary  it  felfe  with 

fruideflc 


Chap.ii*         7heCbnJtunCe%p3.  tp? 

fruitleffc  fome  and  Froth,  fondtyand  fruitkfly  feeding  ft  fdfc 
upon  imaginary  fldions,  atid  fantaflicall  fancies. Be  we  there- 
fore frequent  and  fertile  in  fpirituall  and  facred  confidetations 
and  meditations,  reinembring  Gods  name,  Pf*f.  it  p.  $y. 
Thinking  on  our  wayes, 5 9.  meditating  on  God*  law  all  the 
day,  97.  &c.  preventing  and  fupprefling  betimt*  evill 
though*?,  which  alienate  from,  and  make  enemies  t<rthe 
Lord,  CW.  I.i  1 .  Cherifhing  and  maintaining  good  and  gra- 
cious imagi  ations,  caufingGods  Word  to  dwell  in  them 
richly  in  all  wifedome,  &c.  €$1.3.16.  /yi/.iipn.  Efla- 
bli/hing  them  bycounfell,  Prcv.2o.iS.  namely  of  the  de- 
lightfullteftimonies  or  our  good  God,7y*/.i  ip.34-  bringing 
them  into  obedience  of  Chrift,  2  Cor.  1  o.  5 .  So  that  wee  may 
thinke  uppon  fuch  things  which  are  good— of  good  report, 
&c,P£#7.4.8.and  keeping  them  to  an  univerfall  obedience  of 
Gods  Commandcments,  *T'f*l.  1 1 9. 1 2  8. 

2.  Weare,and  mud  be  continually  carefull  of,  and  looking 
unto  our  outward  fenfes  of  feeing  and  hearing.  As  vigilant 
watchmen,  who  guard,and  keepe  fome  fort  of  note,  or  place 
ofimportance  examine  exactly  anddiligemly  enquire  after  all 
manner  of  commers  in,and  goers  out,  and  to  this  end  and  pur* 
pofe  are  continually  ready  preft  to  marke  and  view  efpecially 
all  places  of  paflagetoand  fro,  the  better  to  prevent  fudden 
furprifings,and  violent  aflaults  :  Even  fo  we  who  are  to  watch 
and  ward  our  hearts  and  foules  thofe  worthy  precious  parts  of 
greateft  importance  mu(t  providently  and  preciiely  redifie  dc 
regulate,retraineand  reftraine,and  laborioufly  look  unto  thefe 
perfidious  and  perillous  waies  and  paflages  ofegrefle  or  fortb- 
going,and  ingrefle  or  entrance  into  our  fbu'es. 

That  the  Divell  and  death  climbe  not  in  by  thefe  win- 
do  wes,//r  p.21. 

That  Sin  and  Satan  rurti  not  in  by  thefe  to  ruinate  us.  Make 
therefore,  as  M  did  a  covenant  with  your  eyes,  Ub  3 » .1.  That 
thefe  give  not  entrance  or  admiffion. 

To  curled  and  and  care  carking  Covetoufncfle.  EccclepA&% 
4  2.Hu  eye  net  fatufied. 

To  pernitious  and  Lucifcrian  Pride,   Pf*lme\^\.  1. 

O  4  <JHw 


To  damnable  deforming  Drunkcnneffe,?rtf.3j.3i.Z^ 
9*t  on  tbemnt%&e% 

To  infatiable  greedy  Gluttony,  gen  .1.6.  Sbeefa*>s—Skee 
took*  and  eat*. 

To  envenomed  virulent  Envie,i  Sam,  I 8.p.  SanleyedDa* 
vid.  Mat. to.  1 1 .  Eye  eviB. 

To  impious  irreligious  Idolaters,  Z>r*f  .4. :  o .  YoufdW  n+% 
#^.£^.20.7,8. 

To  pilfering  and  abominable  Theeveries,/*^  7.2 1  *Sa»,co+ 
vetedfooke. 

To  abhorre  odious  Adulteries,iW4f.f  .28.  committed  adul- 
tery. 2  Pet.2.l+Ejes,&c. 

"Or  to  any  dreadfull  and  damnable  deeds  of  darkneffe,  If** 

Scop  and  fafe  guide  oureares,  the  taftcrs  of  our  words,  fob 
34.5.  the  doores  and  portals  of  our  hearts  from  the  hearing  of 
bloud,  l[a.$  5.15  .And  from  all  the  entifcments  of  (in,  and  fin- 
ners/TVa.i.io. 

3.  Wee  doe,'  and  mud  often  call  our  hearts  to  a  recko- 
ning.   They  who  have  a  vigilant  eye,over  and  upon  faithlefle 
fraudulent  fellowes,  dcceitfulland  fobtill  fervants  are  ever 
and  anon  preffing,  perfwading,  and  calling  upon  them  to  a 
through  consideration,  and  praife-worthy  performance  of 
their  duty,  and  will  daily  and  diligently  reckon  and  account 
with  them.  Our  hearts  are  deceitfull  above  all  things,   and 
defperately  wicked,   who  can  know  them?  ler.17.9.  Irs. 
therefore  more  then  needfull  that  we  fhould,  and  the  more 
watchfull  we  are  over  them,  the  more  urgent  we  are  earnefU 
iy  calling  upon,  and  forcing  them  to  a  faithfully  fruitfull,firme^ 
and  frequent  difcharge  of  their  duties;  and  the  more  wee 
will  ftrive  to  bring  and  keepe  them  clofe  to  holy  psrforman* 
ces,.tomake  confeience  of  them,  to  fhun  and  avoide  fecret 
fins ;  The  more  carefull  and  confiderate  we  ate,  or  will  be  or- 
dinarily and  often  to  reckon  with  them :  and  the  more  labo- 
rious in  looking  Unto  them  continually  ,not  by  fits  and  ftarts,  it 
being  a  conftantcopfcionabkcourfe  that  makes  us  good  and 


Gh  a  p  .  it ,        rhe  chriflUn  CtnfliZT.  2  ©  I 

acceptable  to  the  Lord  ,  Dtuteronom'  5.  19' 

4.  Wedo,andmuftlooketoourheartsatfpeciall  occcafi* 
©ns.  They  who  are  diligent  watchmen,  although  they  al  waies 
(land  upon  their  guard,  yet  at  fome  times,  and  certaine  occafi- 
ons,  they  double  their  diligence  upon  fome  ferious  fervice,and 
againft  feme  fpeciall  danger.  We  alfo,  although  we  arc  cqn- 
ftantly  and  refolutely  to  perfift  without  paufing  or  interrupti- 
on in  an  officious  obferving  of  our  hearts,  yet  are  we  to  in- 
large  our  endeavours,  and  with  more  caution  to  combine  our 
care  and  circumfpeclion  over  our  hearts ,  looking  to  them 
mod  heedfully  and  warily  in  fome  particular  times  of  trials  by 
dangerous,  deceiptfal),  faithleffe,  fawning  fellowes :  bydif* 
heartening'adverfity,  by  bewitching,  and  oftbefotting  profpe- 
rity  ;  or  other  wife,  when  we  arc  mod  provoked  and  pricked 
forward  to  c  fiend  our  good  and  gracious  God  by  refilling  and 
refolving  againft  the  temptations.  Thus  let  us  dutifully  and 
diligently  looke  to  our  hearts,  that  they  be  found  and  right. 
That  we  may  be  fenfible  of,  and  fee  our  owne  corruptions,that 
we  may  heale  them.  And  that  we  may  performe  and  practice 
good  duties  fincerely  with  a  good  and  hemeft  heart. 

J.  Watch,  as  againft  all  fin  in  generall,fo  efpecially  againft 
our  perfbnall  and  proper,  which  are  our  mod  powerfnll  cor- 
ruptions, whereunto  we  ate  moft  prompt  and  prone ,  and  a- 
gainft  the  fundry  and  feverall  occurrences  and  occafions  of  the? 
ferae  fins :  We  do  and  muft  endeavour  daily  more  and  more 
to  know  and  curbe  our  darling  and  delightfull  fins.  As  we  are 
throughly  acquainted  with,  yea  fo  that  we  directly  difcerne 
and  know  the  difpofition  of  thole  with  whom  we  are  conti- 
nualy  converfant,  we  perceive  and  fee  their  faults  more  thai* 
Grangers  do  or  can :-  So  if  we  are  vigilant  viewers  of  our  own- 
hearts,  and  throughly  acquainted  with  our  ownewayes,  wc 
cannot  bat  perceive  and  fee  more  erroars  and  aberrations  in 
©ur  (elves  than  others  can ;  we  cannot  but  find  and  feele  our 
delightfull  DuliUbs,  our  darling  fins.  And  as  duti'ull  and  dili- 
gent watchmen  ufe  moft  fedulity,fevcrity,and  ftrittnes  to  fub- 
vert  and  fupprefle  fecret  and  lurking  home-bred  traytours  :  fo 
|*e  being  watchfull  Chriftiaus,  muti,  and  will  be  fuie  to  curb 

ftftti 


ae*  TieGhriJtidftOmfltit*         Cuatmi. 

.and  keepe  under  efpecially  our  darling  firines,  thofe  to  which 
our  hearts  are  moft:  addided,  and  after  which  they  hanker 
moft,P/*/.t8.i3.  Thefe  perfonall  particular  pollutions  ,  to 
which  we  are  naturally  moft  inclined,  or  to  which  we  are 
mod  incitatcd  or  provoked  by  our  call  ings  or  conditions ,  arc 
to  be  abhorred  and  avoided,  as  turbulent  trouble fo me  treache- 
rous per  fons  in  a  tow  ne,  asnoyfomc,  fmoakie  and  dangerous 
chimneyes  inahoufe.  In  thefe  we  are  commonly  corrupt 
judges,  -extenuating  and  excufing  thofe  we  ought  wholly  to 
extirpate  and  expulfe;  pleading  for,  and  patronizing  thofe 
we  ought  to  profecute  and  pervert-  mitigating  and  mincing 
thofe  we  ought  to  maligne  and  ma  fiacre.  In  thefe  is  the  grea- 
reft  danger,  thefc  winding  and  (cruing  into  our  foulcsalmoft 
infenfibly,  partly  in  regard  of  our  ownc  inclination  to  give 
them  entertainement,  partly  in  regard  of  their  infatuating  infi- 
nuations  by  meanes  of  their  fawning,  fleering,  feeming  fweet 
and  favourie  bewitching  inchantments.  And  the  breach  made 
by  thefe  mud  be  repaired  by  renewed  repentance.  It  is  there- 
fore of  abfolute  ncceflity  that  we  (hould  watch  and  ward  efpe- 
<ciallyagainft  thefe  our  perfonall  pollutions. 

4.  Wifely  and  warily  watch  we  over  our  felves  in  times 
of  peace,  plenty,  and  profperity,  when  we  have  eaten  and  are 
full ,  we  mnft  then  beware  that  we  forget  not  the  Lord  our 
God,  "Detst. 8.10,11.   Such  it  the  infirmity  of  mans  nature* 

Car.Chm.  lib    tfj4t  ^  profperity  delight  doth  occafion  negligence  in  bridling  of 

!«"*         hurtfuU 'affcMons. 

Luxuriant  ani-      For  then  we  are  moft  prone,  and  provoked  to  carele ffe  cor- 

mi  nbuAfle-      ruptingfecurity,  7>/j/.jo.6.  Inmy  profreritj  I  /aid  I  (haUnt- 

tmbf€cw*%  ver  Be  removed. 

For  we  are  then  much  inclined  and  very  fubjefl:  to  abufe 
the  fame. 

By  deceiptfully  doting  on  them,  letting  out  hearts  upon 
them,  Pfal.6 a.  If).  //  riches  increafe,  fit  not  jour  hearts  ufon 
them. 

Confidently  trufting  intbem,  and  boaftingly  bragging  of 
them,  Pfalme4£.6,  They  that  trail  in  their  wealth,  and 
foaftt&c. 

Wantonly 


Ice 


k*HH»JV  The  CnrtJlunCtnpicf*  ioj 

Wantonly  wafting,  vainely  and  vicioufly  confuming  the 
feme.  Lake  1 3.  i  p.  £V,  drinks^  and  be  mcrrj.  Luke  I  5.  j  j. 

Slavishly  ferving  Mammon  as  our  God,  placing  our  hearts 
upon  it  as  our  chiefeft  trcafure,  M*t.6.n. 

Cartlefly  neglecling  andcurfedly  contemning  the  poorc 
and  needy  members  of  ourdeare  Saviour,  1  Timotk.  6.  f%. 

I  ATMS  1.5. 

For  we  are  ready  wretchkfly  then  to  forget  and  forf  ke 
the  Lord,  who  hath  beene  fo  bountifull  and  beneficial  1  to  us, 
*Dcmu  8. 1  f  i?  4.  left  I  be  full  and  deny  thee,  &c  Pr$v.  30.  p. 
Yea,and  to  fecrifice  to  our  owne  net— becaufe  our  portion  is 
bXyHtb.  1 .;  6.  Saying  in  our  heart,our  own  power  and  might 
hath  gotten  us  this  wealth,  Deutt$,\  7. 

As  therefore  the  ftag  in  the  faireft  green,  and  moft  pleafant 
pafture  looketh  moft  about  him,  and  fcareth  danger:  fo  fhould 
we  incurgreateft  plcafures,  and  profperons  preferments  in 
our  moft  honourable  happineffe  here  on  earth, 

5.  In  the  doing  of  things  warrantable  andlawfall ,  as  the 
works  and  duties  of  our  perfonall  [and  particular  callings,  wc 
mi  ft  be  adviledly  circumfpeft,  and  very  vigilant,  Luke  3.11, 
1 3>  1 4.  That  we  be  not  flaves  and  drudges  unto  the  fame;  but 
that  we  manage  them,  as  with  induftrHnd  diligence,  fo  with 
difcretion  and  piety ,that  we  may  acotf&fmg  to  our  Rafters  di- 
rection and  precept  firft  feekethe  kingdome  of  God  and  hir 
righteotifnefle,  Mdttk.6>i%.  giving  and  gaining  from  them 
time  to  cur  lelves  forthe  fincere  iervice  of  God.  That  we 
confcionablyimploy  eur  felves  to  labour  in  thefe  our  lawfiill 
vocations  and  callings  lawfully,  chriftianly, -namely, 

Teftifying  hereby  cur  fon-likefiliall  obedience  to  the  moft 
juft  and  irreprchenfible  in  jun<ftions  of  our  good  God  and  gra- 
cious Father,  Z^.4.28.  a  Tbejf. 3. 12*  moderating  our  inor- 
dinate defiresafter,and  immoderate  love  unto  tbefevaine  and 
vaniftiingjflcklc  and  fading  things. 

Depending  upon  Gods  al  Weeing  and  all-fufficient  provi- 
dence, and  upon  his  lure  and  certaine,  great  and  gracious  pro- 
jni(b:  not  upon  thefe  limber  and  brittle  (laves  of  reed. 

Religioufly 


3©4  TheCMiJtiAnCMptt.        ^hap.ii. 

Heligfoufly  fan&ifying  them  by  the  Word  of  God ,  and 
prayer,  i  Tim  4.?. 

Comfortably  contenting  our  lelves  with  whatfbever  ftc- 
ceflfe,  either  profperous  or  adverle,  it  (hall  pleafc  the  Lord  to 
appoint,  and  allot  upon  our  endeavours. 

Learning  in  wbatfoever  eft  ate  to  be  content,  Phil.4. 1  r . 
Seeking  the  fruition  and  enjoyment  of  thefc  not  long  lad- 
ing tranfitory  riches ,  not  by  finifter,  corrupt ,  and  indirect 
raeanes,  but  pioufly,  lawfully  and  warrantably .  Not  as  prime, 
principal],  and  neceflfary,  but  as  fecondary  blefTmgs  and  bene- 
fits, not  needful]  to  our  falvation,  nor  the  peculiar  priviledge 
of  Gods  precious  people, 

Pofleffing  andufingthe  fame  thankfully, being  gratefull  to 
a  God  fo  good  and  gracious  to  us  fo  vile  and  undeferving. 
Charitably,  compaffionately  communicating  to  the  needy  di- 
ftrefled  members  of  our  blefled  Saviour. 

6.  In  our  religious  aclions,  our  moft  pious  and  beft  perfor- 
mances we  muft  be  very  vigilant :  for  in  thefe  the  Divell 
will  be  malicioufly  medling  to  marre  andpoyfon  fuchlfte 
duties. 

Striving  to  infufe,put,and  powre  in  fond,  foolifh,and  faith- 
lefle  fancies  into  our  minds  to  withdraw  and  diftieartcn  them 
from  fuch  like  pious  p^lifes,and  (acred  aclions. 

Endeavouring  to  dtoq&cl,  and  iodifablc  and  interrupt  us 
by  his  injurious  insinuating  inj'eclions ,  and  divellifli  temp- 
tations in  the  prefent  time,  and  very  acl  of  performing 
diem. 

And  labouring  with  hisutmofl  abilities  to  fwell  and  pnffc 
up  with  privie,  if  not  palpable,  pride,  parafrtically  foothing 
aid  flatteringly  applauding  us  after  the  deed  duly  and  dutiful- 
ly done  ;  purpofing  thereby  to  pollute  and  putrifie  our  pureft, 
exacleft,  and  precifeft  performances. 

It  is  not  therefore  onely  convenient  and  of  fome  confe- 
rence, but  of  great  importance  and  urgent  necetfity  for  us  to 
be  very  warie  and  watchfull  that  we  do  good  and  facred  acli- 
ens  well  and  holily :  things  commanded  fo,  as  we  are  cckf- 
wanded;  pra&ife  of  piety  fo,  that  they  maybe  acceptable 

and 


Chap. a,         TheCbri/iianCinflift.  205 

and  pleafing unto  the  Lord.  And  therefore  be  we  perfwaded 
with  care  and  circumfpe&ion  fo  to  ponder,  premeditate,  and 
coriider  ofthe  matter. 

Thar  before  the  doing  of  foch  duties,  we  refift  and  remove 
all  letts  and  impediments,  which  as obftacles  may  hinder:  we 
lay  hold  upon,  take,  and  improve  all  opportunities  and  flttjng 
occafions  which  may  help  forward  and  further ,that  (6  we  may 
be  more  aptand  able,  prompt  and  prepared,  fit  and  furniihed 
to  do  our  duty. 

That  in  the  doing  of  them  we  behave  our  felves  well  and 
wifely,  performing  them  rightly  and  religioufly. 

Thatafter  all  is  done,  through  our  owne  vilenefle  and  vici- 
oufneffe  all  our  labour  be  not  loft,  and  all  our  endeavours  made 
void  and  fruftrate,  being  impoyfoned  and  corrupted  by  pride, 
l  CV.4.7.  or  opprefled  and  over- whelmed  by  lightnelte  and 
inconftancy,  fcr.34.li. 

And  thus  to  conclude  this  important  duty  of  the  Chriftian 
warriour, 

1 .  Let  the  many  patheticall  premonitions  of  perils  and  tftfttivetl 
dangers  to  which  we  are  prone,  efpecially  if  we  omit  or  neg- 
lect our  watch,  £*^r  22.5  a. 

2.  Let  the  many  peremptory  precepts  of  our  abfolute  and 
foveraigne  Lord  and  Commander  Chrift  Iefus,  Mar.  13. 

37-  14.  34. 

$.  Let  the  many  precious  promifes  of  peculiar  priviledges 
to  Chriftian  vigilance. 

4.  Let  the  many  pious  and  praife-worthy  practices  of 
Chrift  Iefus  our  Captaine,  and  of  former  Chriftians  our  tel- 
le w-fbuldiers  in  this  particular  duty,  CyM4r.14.37. 

V .  Let  the  many  prefent  preuuresof anguilh and affliclion> 
of  trials,  troubles  and  temptations. 

6.  Let  the  many  prerogatives  of  this  puiffmt  and  prevailing 
duty  agitate  and  animate,  perfwade  and  pre  fie  us  forward  to 
this  divine  duty  of  diligent  watchfulneffe, 

That  fo  we  may  prevent  thofe  many  peril*. 

That  fo  we  may  obey  thofe  many  precepts. 

Thatfo  we  may  poflefle  thofe  many  promifes. 

That 


106  TkCbriJtUnC*nfli8.  Chai.i* 

That  Co  wc  may  Imitate  thofe  many  prefidents. 
That  fo  wc  may  paffe  through  thofe  many  prefllirct. 
That  fo  wc  may  have  intereft  in  thofe  many  privilcdgcs. 
That  (b  wc  may  evidence  our  (elves  true  and  loyall  (buldi- 
ers  of  the  Lord  Chrift  lefus.  And 

That  fo  wc  may  not  oncly  defcric  and  difcerne,but  alfb  difc 

anull  and  difable,  yea  and  difperfe  and  difpoile  the  many 

difguifed  difadvautagioui  tentations  of  the  (lie  and  fubtiil 

tempter. 

VigiUnhm\fi       That  fowc  may  eouragioufly  and  comfortably  conquer; 

€i  qui  cufit      for,  aa  want  of  watchfulnefle  makes  men  of  valour  and  va!i- 

*******  djjy  vincible,  and  often  vanquifhed  vaflfals:   So  watchfull 

vigilance  adds  vigour ,  makes  oft  invincible  and  victorious. 

C«AF.  XII. 

CkrijN**fi*fdiers  mnfifiie  to  God  for  foccour. 

&Mtj  7.  \A  Art,afl  mcn  °*$*t  not,  and  Chriftian  warriours  do  not 

J.V1  depend  upon  their  ownc  fortitude  and  furniture ;  their 
owne  valour  and  vigilance;  their  o  wne  ftrength  and  (edulity; 
their  ownc  power  and  policie :  but  on  the  helpe ,  afiiftancc , 
and  protection  of  the  Lord  of  hofts,  their  God  •  for  there  is 
no  king  (aved  by  the  multitude  ofan  hoft,  a  mighty  man  is  not 
delivered  by  much  ftrength,  a  horfe  is  a  vainc  thing  for  fafety, 
neither  (hall  he  deliver  any  by  his  great  ftrength,  TV*/.  35.  ic#, 
1  7.  Therefore  "David acknowledged  that  by  the  Lord  he  had 
tun  through  a  troupe,  and  by  his  God  he  had  leaped  overt 
wall,P/*A  18.  jp.  That  it  was  God  who  girded  him  with 
ftrength,  Ver.  3 1 .  Being  therefore  to  encounter  that  exafpera* 
ted  execrable  Philiftine  who  defied  the  armies  of  the  living 
God,i  S*m.ij.i6 WhodifdaihedZ>4v^,V.4a.Curfedhim 
by  his  God,  Vcrl.  43.  And  threatned  to  give  his  flefh  fo  the 
fowlesof  theayre,  and  the  beads  of  the  field,  Verf  44.  He 
f  ublikcly  proclaimed  that  he  came  to  him  in  the  name  of  the 
Ix>rd  of  hofts,  the  God  of  the  armies  of  Ifrael,  Ver.45 .  And 
confidently  concluded  that  the  Lord  would  deliver  hint 

(maugrc 


Ch  h  fin.  The  chrifiUn  C*nfti&.  307 

(  maugrcallhis  puiflantprowcfle  and  military  munition  )  in- 
to his  hands  to  Imite ,  to  take  off  his  head  from  him ,  to  give 
notonelybis,  but  the  carcafles  of  the  hoft  of  the  Philiftines 
I  unto  the  fbwlesof  the  ay  re ,  and  to  the  wild  beafts  of  the 
earth ,  that  all  the  earth  might  know  that  there  is  a  God  m 
Ifrael,  and  all  that  anembly  might  know  that  the  Locd 
iaveth  not  with  fword  and  fpeare,  Vcrfe  46, 4  7.  Hence 
was  it  that  GiAfn  commanded  his  fouldkrs  to  cry,  the 
fword  of  the  Lord,  lmdget  7.  18.  That  U*b  encouraging 
his  brother  tAbi/M ,  faid ,  the  Lord  doe  that  which  fee- 
meth  him  good,  *S*mu*l  10.  i».  And  lahaziel  encou- 
I  raged  lehofufhAt  and  all  Iudah  after  this  manner :  Thus 
faith  the  Lord  unto  you ;  Be  not  afraid  nor  difmaid  by 
reafon  of  this  great  multitude ,  for  the  battel]  is  not  your*, 
but  Gods :  — yee  (hall  not  need  to  fight  in  this  battell  : 
Set  your  felves ,  ftand  ftill ,  tnd  fee  the  felvation  of  the 
Lord  with  you,  &c.  a  Chrimicl.  10.  14, 15, 17.  Hence i§ 
it  that  although  fome  trufl  in  chariots ,  and  fome  in  horfes: 
Yet  the  Church  and  chofen  of  God  will  remember  the  name 
of  the  Lord  our  God  ;  and  for  this  cauie  they  rife  and  ftand 
upright,  whenthofc  ether  are  brought  downe  and  fallen, 
Pf*l.  10. 8. 

1 .  For  the  Lord  our  God  is  a  Lord  of  hofls,P/i/.8o.  10.84.. 
i,3,8,m.  46.7,1  a. having  Angels,  Elements, Suo,  Moone,. 
Stars,  Wind,Raine,ftormes,tempefts,  clouds,  darknes,lice,*o- 
cufts,  flies,  frogs,and  whatfoever  hath  breath  or  being,  athis 
check  tnd  command,at  his  ordering  and  difpofing. 

a.  Fromhimfafety  and  fecurity>  defence  and  deliverance  in 
tod  from  dangers  and  diftrefles  of  all  forts  are,  a  T1W.4. 1 8. 

3.  Thofc  whom  he  will  defend  and  deliver,  all  the  tyrant* 
in  the  world  cannot  harm:  and  hurt,  no  not  Satan, lob  1 .  L*k* 
H.32.  a  Cor. ]  1.7.  Rev.i.io. 

4,  The  welfire  and  fafety  of  Chrifts  Church  and  King- 
dome  confifts  not  in  chariots,  in  horfes,  or  fuch  like  warlike 
furniture,  Z*ch. f.\o  For  no  fuch  can  prevail  e  againft  God, 
?r#.i  1 .30.  And  all  fuch  hopes  and  helpes  without  him  are 
WiK*jrtvani{hij&P/W«*Q.ii»  le&ia, 

J.  Fot 


ao8  The  chrijthn  Cwflifa         Chap.i*; 

5.  Forhebreaks  the  bow,  and  cutteth  the  fpcarc  in  funder, 
heburneth  the  chariot  in  the  fire,  P/4/.46.9. 

6.  As  no  power  and  policy  canprevaile  againfthim  ,  fo 
no  activity  nor  ability  withont  him ,  Tfalmc  144.  1.  Zuh. 
9'  13. 

7.  It  is  he  who  doth  all  the  parts  of  a  valiant  and  victorious 
warriourfor  his  Church  and  chofen,  Zick.p,  14.  For  he  it 
fenfibly  feene  as  a  fupreame  and  foveraigne  Captaine  is  wont 
to  be.  He  as  a  louldier  doth  fight  with  his  arrowes  againft 
his  and  their  enemies.  He  as  a  Centurion,  or  leader  of  a 
band,  doth  march  before  them  in  battell  accompanied 
with  whirle-winds.  Hee,  as  a  Trumpeter,  doth  found 
fo  (brill  and  fadding  a  voice ,  which  (hall  difmay  and  dit' 
hearten  the  enemy. 

8.  It  is  the  Lord  which  is  all  matter  of  munition  and  de- 
fence unto  them,  namely, 

A  buckler  to  hold  off  bio wes  and  batteries,  Qen.  \  c.  t  . 
A  fortreffe,rock,tower,horn,(trength,P/:  1 8  1,2,30,3 1,3  1 
Ahelpandfbield,  Pfkl.13.ro.  115.9,10,11. 
A  battell-bow,  2^6.104.  A  wall  of  fire,2.?.  And  an  en- 
camping about  his  Church  becaufe  of  thearmy,^rA.9.8. 
He  is  the  corner  by  whom  we  are  upholden^zW^.i  0.4. 
He  is  the  naileby  which  we  are  faftned,  Ibid. 
He  is  the  battell-bow  by  which  we  are  defended  ; 
Hence  is  it  that  his  Saints  and  (ervants  formerly  have  done, 
and  ftill  ought 

I.  To  repofe  their  truft,and  wholly  reft  upon  the  Lord,and 
ftot  fay  in  their  hearts,  our  power,  and  the  might  of  our  hands 
„hathdonethis,<D^f.8.i7.  But  with  us  is  the  Lord  our  God 
*#&*help  iis,and  fight  our  battels,  2  Chron,  32.8.  For  the  Lor4 
will  have  mercy  upon  them,  and  fave  them  by  the  Lord  their 
God, and  will  not  fave  them  by  bow,nor  by  (word,  nor  by  bat- 
tell,by  horfes,  nor  by  horfmen,  H*f.  1.7.     , 

a.  Topraife  his  name  for  deliverance  from  dangers  paft, 
faying,  PTewillrejoyceintbj  ftlvmo*,  and  in  thy  »*mt,  &c. 
P/k/me  lo.f.'Be  thou  exulted  O  Goi^  &  c.  2 1 .  1  5 .  Therefor* 
»s8  I  give  thank*',  &C.  Pftlmc  18.49,  jo.  Exod.  15.  1,2, 

3,4- 


Ch  a  p  .  i  i  i       7  be  C  hriflUn  fln/litt*  2*9 

3,4   /  mil  (t*gy  &c.  Judges  y.  2. 

3 .  To  pray  to  him  for  belpe,  fuccour,  (afety  and  defence. 
Plead  my  caufe  O  Lord  with  them  that  drive  with  me/fight  a- 
gainft  them  that  fight  againft  me;takc  hold  of  fine Id  and  buck- 
ler and  (land  up  for  mir.e  helpc ;  draw  out  alfo  the  fpearcfand 
flop  the  way  againft  them  that  perfecute  me  ,  and  fay  un- 
to my  fcule  lam  thy  falvation,  P(sl.  35.  *>*,?.  Thus  lateb 
when  £[ah  came  againft  him,  prayed  to  God  for  protection, 
and  prevailed,  Cjen.  3 1.  Thus  lck$[sph*t  prayed,  faying ,  O 
our  God— we  have  no  might  againft  this  great  company  that 
commeth  againft  us,  neither,  know  we  what  to  do,  but  our 
eyes  are  upon  thee,  2  CAr«*.20. 6,7,10,11,1a.  Thus  Hezs- 
kj*b  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  faying,  O  Lord  of  hofts ,  God  of 
I{*rsel,&c.  If*. 37.1 *, 1 7,1  8, 1 9,20.  Thus  while lopm* and If- 
rael  -ought  with  Am*tek, ,  Mofes  prayed, Exod.  1 7.9. 

If  in  fuch  concordant  conflicls,wherein  men  and  men  com- 
bat together,like  in  nature,  and  for  number,  in  ftature,  and  for 
ftrength,  inprowefle,and  for  policy;  being  equally  inftrucled 
in  martial  1  difciplinc  to  manage  their  warlike  proceedings, 
being  equally  furnifhed  with  all  manner'farnituTc  needful! 
andfittirg  for  fight.  If  (I  fay)  infighting  againft  fraile  and 
feeble  flefhand  bloud,  prayer  mull  be  added  unto,  and  ac- 
company other  preparations ;  and  the  people  of  God  have 
with  care  and  conscience  continually  cor  joyned  prayer  to 
other :  Witneffe  A4ofesy  Exod.tj.9.  Ssmu*/,  1  Ssm.j.f.Ie* 
fofsphatiifhroH.to.it&c.  and diverfe others.  They  well 
knowing,  that  meanes,  although  many;preparations,althoagh 
profitable  and  puifiant,  to  be  or  no  ufe,  PfiU.  1  ij.  2 .  Except  the 
Ltrdbuild&A.  Therfore  they  would  not  truft  in  their  bowes, 
knowing  that  their  fwords  could  not  Cave  them,P/4/.44  6  and 
that  through  God  they  could  pufh  dowre  their  enemies,  and 
tread  them  ur,der,&c.V.5,7,8,o.And  they  well  knowing  that 
prayer  is  fanfUfied  by  God  to  obtaine  his  help  and  ble£fing : 
that  prayer  is  exceeding  powcrfull  and  prevailing;  yeafothat 
whether  other  meanes  failed  or  abounded,  they  would  never 
negled  this:  which  makes  fupply  where  and  when  they  arc 
wanting,  and  makes  diem  powcrfull  and  fucccffefiill,  if  fer- 

P  ventljr  I 


2i  *  The  ChriflUn  Conflict.  Chap.  ij. 

ventlyufcd.  When  one  told  Numa  faying,  0  Numay  the  ene- 
mies prepare  warre  again?}  thee,ht  cheerfully  anfm^edybut  I  fit- 
crifice,  implying  that  the  forces  of  enemies  are  withftoo-1  and 
overcome  more  by  the  help  of  God  than  our  own  force*  How 
much  more  I  fay  ought  we  to  pray  in  our  fpirituall  combats  a- 
gainft,  enemies  which  are  innumerable,namely,  the  world,  and 
all  wicked  men;the  flem,andall  its  filthy  luftsjthe  Divell,  and 
all  evill  angels.The  world  being  m  aliciousjcruell^rafcyjvaine, 
&  evill;the  flefh  being  rebellious  wanton,and  decciptfull;  and 
the  Divell  malignant,  mighty,  fierce,  and  fraudulent ;  and  out 
felves  being  fuch  whofe  weaknetfes  arc  wonderfull  v  whofe 
wants  are  many,  whole  miferies  are  great,  and  whofe  necefli- 
ties  are  continuall.  Pray  therefore  that  we  may  prevaile. 
Reafons.  I  *  ^or  without  God  we  can  do  nothing,  loh.i  $.%  .It  is  God 

which  worketh  in  us  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  plea- 
furCjP^i.i.i  f.Wc  cai  do  all  things  through  Chrifr,  ftrengthe- 
AurJe  lib.arb.  ning  us,Pbif  4  1  3.  All  our  hope  isin,and  help  from  God,  and 
tap. 6,  Gods  help  is  obtained  by  prayer.  There  is  nothing  fo  bard,  but 

with  Gods  help  ft  mty  be  mideeafie^on  him  therfore  let  w  depei% 
of  bin  let  its  fa  k  help,&  fo  accomptifh  our  purpofes  Szfth  S.  An* 
Chyf  ad  Fop.  **!&**•  Hence  it  is  that  S.Chryfoftome  hath  thefe  pregnant  paf* 
Amioch.  Horn.     tiges.Tbere  is  nothing  fir on ger  than  a  man  rightly  praying:  for  if 
7  *•  a  woma  cotildappeafe  that  furious  governor  ywhich  neither  feared 

Godynor  reverenced  wanjnuch  more  (hat  he  provoke  Cjod  to  love 
who  doth  ft  and  by  him  contwutlly.Hedoth  ov*r-mas1er  the  bet" 
.  8    ljy&  chafe  away  delightf3&C.h°am}Tberci4  nothing  more po-iv- 

in  Mat.  1 7.  erf  mil  than  a  man  wifely  praying*  for  if  a  woman  could  turn  the 
cruell judge  which  neither  feared God,  nor  honoured  man,  mack 
more  [hat  he  mnke  God  favourable  tohtm>who  flick*  to  continual 
prayer  ;he  doth  overcome  the  belly\  &  contemn  delicious  daintier. 
3.  For  prayer  is  of  fuch  force  and  efficacy  in  this  our  Chri- 
ftian  wa  r  f  are,that  S,  Chryfoflome  faith,  Prayers  are  weighty  we  a-* 
pom  if they  bee  slabli^ed  with  neceffary  wifdome  ;  and  that  yon 
may  understand  the  force  therof  continuall  pr  dyer  doth  vanejtfifh 
fhamelefnes^wrongyCrueltr^ndrafhnes^and  that  which  frtendfhip 
hath  not  done>  prayer  doth  per  forme ;  and  con  slant  prayer  hath 
delivered  her  worthy  which  was  unworthy*  For  thefe  are  great 

weapons 


Chap.I1.  ThtChrifltdnCcnfaZt.  2  it 

weapons  if  tbejh  founded  with  fervency  offpirit,  if  wit  bent 
falfe,andvaine  glory  j]  with  a  fincere  mtnd,and *  contrite  heart. 
ThU  doth  breai^  offwarres,  thu  hath  made  an  unaccep table  and 
unworthy  nation  delegable  and  grateful!,  Againe,  Although 
Cod  moved  with  mercy  doth  fomethingjet  here  alfo  prayer  doth 
dfford  much  helpe—-you  helping  together  in  prayer —neither  dcth 
he  attribute  the  whole  to  them  left  he  fhouldpuffe  up  their  minds : 
neither  againe  doth  he  wholly  remove  them  from  the  pratfe  of 
thh  benefit,  that  he  might  encourage  them  and  make  them  more 
chearefull,  and  that  he  might  bind  them  faft  in  friend/hip  a* 
tuongH  themj elves — prayer  wot  made  without  cea/ing  by  the 
Church  to  Cjod  for  him,  i^lcls  \o.  And  it  had  fuch  force,  that 
although  the  doores  wers  (hut,  and  chaines  did  binde  the  Ape* 
file ,  and  the  keepers  did  fleepe  on  both  fides  at  his  fide ,  yet  it 
brought  him  out,  and  delivered  him  from  all  perils,  Againe, 
Truly  all  kinds  of  heavenly  weapons  are  cemprifed  in  divine 
prayers,  which  alone  are  able  to  preferve  thofe  which  have  com* 
mitt ed  them f elves  to  C/od~But  prayer  u  an  invincible  dart,  a 
fecure  fortreffe,  which  doth  put  to  flight  as  well  as  one  fouldier 
many  thoufands :  for  honourable  David  beat  downetbat  Goliah 
furieufly  running  upon  him  like  feme  formidable  Divell,not  with 
weapons,  not  withfword,  hut  with  prayer,  grayer  u  the  mo  ft  nc~ 
ceffary  weapon.  That  which  riches  nor  the  multitude  of  helpers, 
nor  phy fie  all  skill, nor  Prince-like  haughtineffe  of  mind  could  not 
effetl,  that  the  prayer  of  one  poor  e  and  needy  one  was  able  to  doe : 
prayer  I  fay,  not  thatfiender  and fiothfull ,  but  that  which  is  ear* 
neft,a*d  doth  come  from  a  mind  grieving,  and  a  contrite  heart* 
The  force  of  prayer  hath  quenched  the  force  of fireyhathrepreffed 
the  rage  of  lions  Joath  appeafed  wars, hath  removed  battels,  hath 
taken  away  tempeftsy  hath  chafed  away  Divelr,  hath  opened  the 
dcores  of  heaven,  broken  the  chaines  of  death,  turned  away  fick? 
sseffes ^removed  dtffleafures,  made ftrong  cities  fha\ing  by  means 
of  earthquakes ,  abohfhedor  removrd  judgements  falling  from 
heave  n,t  he fubtilties  of  me  f, and  all  evils,  Againe,Sfff  b  force  as 
waters  have  in  trees ,  the  fame  have  the  prayers  of  holy  men  in 
this  life;  S.Paul  with  thefe by  n'tght  did refrefk  his  mind,  did  cafi- 
ly  vanquish  dangers  9  did  offer  hie  backe  as.  a  ftone  toftriper, 

V  % 


Clryf.  in  Tieb. 
ic.spome  pec- 
cantib.Tom.^ 


/JemHom.iAn 
zCor.i. 


Horn,  de  prto. 
Tom,S, 


Tom.  f.  de  in* 
compreb.  Dei 
nat. 


Ibid 


Tom^.depree. 


\n 


aii  The  chriftUn  Conflict.       Chap. 12. 

in  fuel  fort  he  (hook*  the  frifon  in  Macedonia,  even  fo  a*  *  Hon 
he  brake  the  fetters  by  prayers :   fo  he  delivered  the  lailorfrom 
crreur,  fo  he  destroyed  and  difflved  the  tyrannie  of  cDivelsf>y 
prayer.  And  that  which  this  grave,^odly  and  goldcn-mouth'd 
Father  doth  avouch  of  prayer ;  namely,  that  nothing  is  Wron- 
ger than  him  who  rightly  prayeth,that  nothing  is  m  ^re  pow- 
erful than  a  pious  man  praying.  That  prayers  are  great  wea- 
pons, yea  the  fctcft  weapons,  have  great  force,  yea  fu:n,  that 
theyeafilyranquifh  theDivell.  The  fame  dorhthe  unerring 
Word  ot  God  averre  as  authentically  and  of  allowed  authori* 
ty,  Ex^d.jj.ii.  When  tJMofes  held  up  his  hands  Ifrael  pre- 
vailed,^. Ifraelceafethto  conquer  when  Mofes  ceafethto 
pray,  but  by  his  prayer  they  conquer  and  obtaine  the  victory. 
Samuels  prayer  difcomfitedthePhilitHnes,  1  Sam.  7.8,p,io# 
The  prayer  of  Ifaiah  1  Ktng.  t  9.4  Of  He^ekiah^  ver.  1 5 .  and 
the  people  of  God  difcomSred  the  huge  and  haughry  hoft  of 
the  ArTyrians,ver.  3  5 .  The  prayer  of  the  Church  delivered  /V- 
f*r,/f#.ia.5.  Therefore  the  Apoftle  S.  Paul  being  in  great 
danger  of  his  countrey-menthe  Iewes,  defires  the  Romans  to 
encounter  them  and  refcue  him,  nor  with  fwords,  < peares,and 
fuch  like  warlike  weapons,but  by  fighting  with  God  by  pray- 
er for  his  fafety,wherin  lieth  more  fecurity  than  in  all  force  of 
armes,  by  how  much  Gods  power  exceedeth  all  earthly 
might,  /?<jw.I5#30.  And  acknowledged  that  the  prayers  of 
the  f  aithfull  were  cffcdual),  and  a  forcible  meanes  to  procure 
his peace,fafety,and good fucceffe,  2  Cor. \.\%. 

Hence  was  it  that  when  Satan  that  execrable  and  exafpera- 
ted  enemy  to  goodnes,grace,good  a<ftions,and  godly  men,  di- 
ligent to  do  mifchiefe,ready  to  watch  and  wait  for  advantages 
agai  1ft  the  righteous,rcftleffe  in  refifting,and  bufieft  in  bicker- 
ing with  the  blefled  people  of  God  when  they  are  beft  imploy- 
ecL  When  Satan  full  of  fubtilty  and  iedulity  in  oppofing  and  en- 
deavouring to  overmatch  the  ftrongeft,  when  I  fay  this  bold, 
ftout,malicious,and  proud  milcreant  rigoroufly  refifted  Ufhn* 
the  high  Prieft,  Chriftlefusthe  Mediatour  of  interceffion  as 
well  as  of  fal  vation,with  vehement  inftancy  and  reiterated  re- 
ptoofcj  doth  repcll  and  rcpulfe  him  with  prayer,  laying, 

The 


Lib.^tAp.%. 


Chap. II.  TbtChtipUnCtnfUa.  tij 

The  Lord  rebuke  thee  O  Satan,  Zach. 3. 2.  When  hedefrred 
diligently  tofift  and  winnow  Peter  zs  whear,  ChrKl  likewile 
prayed  that  his  faith  might  not  faile,  Lmke  12.51.  And  when 
PamI  was  baffeted  by  the  Divell,  heiikewife  befcaghtthc 
Lord,  and  obrained  that  Gods  grace  fhould  be  fufficient  for 
him,  t  Cor.  1 2.8.  When  ClUrcm  Aurelim  (as  Eufebitts) or 
jfmonitcs  7>it«(as  Oerr*»)  was  difhefled  with  thirft,the  Ghri- 
ftian  legion, which  fought  not  onely  with  weapons  but  prayer 
alfb,praycd  unto  God,  and  prefently  a  great  temped  arofe,  in 
which  God  gave  refreshing  to  the  Romans ,  and  dilcomfited 
their  enemies  with  lightening,  which  vi&ory  obtained  by  the 
Chriftians  prayers,the  Empcrour  gave  that  legion  the  name  of 
thundring  legion. When  Tbeodofius  a  Chriftian  Emperour  per-  SotomMh.? 
ceived  the  war  to  be  difficult  &  dangerous  becaufe  of  the  num-  caP-  H* 
bers  and  ftrength  of  enemies  ,and  his  Captaines  dilTwafires 
from  fighting  in  the  ftrci>hts  of  the  Ahxs :  he  having  (pent  the 
night  in  praycr,and  received  comfortable  exhortation  to  war, 
led  out  his  array  in  a  moft  fierce  war  did  overcome  the  enemy 
being  helped  from  heaven  with  great  winds  which  were  con-  - 
trary  to  the  enemies.  Carolm  M*gnw  is  highly  commended 
ai  a  pattern  for  A&the  xeorUjn  thAt  going  to  fight  ft An ding  in  the 
Temple y  he  did  commend  kimfe (ft,  the  Church  And  Empire  to 
Cjod,4nd  did  joyne  mth  mU  pious  people  in  prAjtr. 

3 .  Prayer  is  ofthat  force  and  efficacy, that S.  Chryfijfome  cals 
it  J  weBferttfiedgMMrd,  the  f Aft  ft  fortific At ion ,4  ojtAt  bulrtArkc 
of  the  Chunk  rohieh  cannot  he  b  After  ed  dorrnyan  unfhafeen  muni- 
tion or  rdmpieryA*d  dreAdfui  to  the  *Divell.  And  warrantably, 
for  praier  is  as  an  impenetrable  bulwark  which  carmot  be  pre- 
fudie'd  by  Satans  pcmicioui&perillous,diabolical  direful  dart?, 
A4At,z6.4}  1 ,  Pray  that  ye  enter  not  into  tempt  Alien  >  It  is  an  im- 
pregnable fortrefleand  tower  ofdefence,{afely  fuccouring  and 
fhidding  againfl:  the  force  and  fury  of  themoft  puiflant  plots 
and  policies,the  extreameft  rage  and  rigotir,the  mod  barbarous 
and  bloudy  combinations  of  Satan  and  his  hellifh  complices, 
Aclm  1 1 .5  It  is  an  invincible  rampier,and  irreiiftable  engine  re- 
coiling Lack  with redundantand  redoubled itrength,  and  pui£ 
lance  the  malicious  and  manifold  machinations  of  the  mod  in- 

P  3  flexible 


Carrlib.^ 


Tortu^.OmM 
presat. 


fl-xibk  Sc  inraged  furious  oppofer  j  of  Gods  peoole  ^  rf-s 
coun  ell  was  ovCrthro?nc,a„d  be  haoged  himfelf  3,  i2  , , 

4-Prayermuftbe;3y„edtoourChriftianannou;  M  €  r* 
Wecannot furmfli our felves  wirh  nrt,G,i drl«>ur>eM>.e.r8. 

maybe  girtabout  with  truth,  that  we ZlhZ^TfT1' 

Lt  we  may  hHcft  p  ay  Kr fifc  ST  and  P^"4 

usChriftiaii fouldiere  S'fuchi^  £.  ^  neceflar*  for 
fnrr  fV>P  «»»,,«.     i   '"      '  ucn  ""PO'ttnce.that  we  mult  be- 

sens 

Am.zpiJlM.    M/",  faith  S.  jfafcj*  P'*J<rfg>U 


Cuav.IU       TheChrifUdnConfill*  115 

judging  this  weighty  and  worthy  workc  needleffeandunne- 
ceftary.  Let  abje<5t  Atheifts  deluded  by  the  Divell  that  decei- 
ver abdicate  and  abandon(in  heart  abhorring,  if  not  defperately 
deriding)  this  duty  of  divine  dignity,  as  aveTfe  to  their  palpa- 
bly prophane,  though  pleating  paths  of  irreligious  atheifme 
and  ungodlincfle.  Letfottifliand  fecure,  yea  all  corrupt  aric! 
careltfle  Chriftians  feized  upon  andfcdnced  by  Satan,(enfually 
fleightthts  ferious  fervice,  ufing  it  as  a  matter  of  no  momenr, 
and  as  a  cuftomary  complement,  curforily  mumbling  over  a 
few  words  when  they  have  nothing  els  to  do,  or  pattering  o- 
ver  fbme  certaine  fentences  dreamingly  betwixt  flcepingand 
waking.  Let  deluding  and  deceiptfull  diflcmblers  prepofte- 
roufly  pretermit  this  pious  performance  to  our  Fachcr  infe- 
cret,  pradrifing  it  only  proudly  &  pharifaically  in  publike  to  be 
fecn  of  men,asan  engine  to  fcr  ue  themfelves  into  peoples  affe- 
clions,as  a  {hiking  horfe  to  catchand  inclofe  popular  applaufe, 
and  as  a  ladder  to  mount  themfelves  aloft, that  they  may  feem 
to  be  men  of  lingular  and  furpafling  devotion.  Thus  rnanifeft- 
ing  themfelves  in  the  judgment  ofSXhryfoftome  men  dead  iii 
(inr.es  and  trefpa(Tes,and  not  w  ell  in  their  wits;  his  words  arc 
thefe:  rVhofoever  doth  not  pray  unto  God  daily, neither  doth  dc-  Tom.  >  Jeprt* 
fire  to  nfe  this  heavenly  communication,  it  dead,  and  doth  wholly  cat, 
want  foule  andftnfr^  for  that  u  thtgreateU  eoujetlmre  of  foo- 
lifhnefe  And  unfenpbleneffe, feeing  that  the  noblenefft  of  the  dig" 
nit j  of  this  U  not  lenowne,  feeing  that  frayer  u  not  loved,  feeing 
that  it  is  not  e (itemed  the  death  of  the  foule  not  to  honour  God 
by  prayer  i  for  at  this  oar  tody  Iwetne,  when  the  fan le  is  abfent  id 
dead  andflinking^  fo  the  foule ,  except  it  doth  raife  up  it  felfe,  ta 
prayer  J4  dead, mifer  able  and  (linking*  And  that  we  are  to  judge 
it  more  grievous  than  death  to  bcb<  rcaved  of  prayer.  The  T>r*+ 
phet  Daniel  teacheth  tu,  who  was  more  willing  to  die  than  to  be 
hindered  three  dayes  from  prayer;  for  neither  did  the  King  of  the 
*Perfiami  command  to  do  any  thing  against  piety,  hut  did  endea- 
vour to  get  a  refl  of  three  day  en  when  therefore  Ifee  any  to  fails 
pom  the  exercife  of  prayer,  neither  to  be  delighted  with  a  vehe- 
ment and  eamefl  love  hereof,  I  knew  for  a  furety  forthwith  that 
nothing  honourable  arpejftng  excellent  itjofefed  by  him, 

P  4  And 


ii4  The  ChriJIUfi  ConflilJ.         Ch  ap.ii. 

And  thefehis  fayings  arc  authenticall,  and  ofavowablcao* 
riiority, being  confonant  to  that  unerrinq  canfin  of  (overaigne, 
and  abfolute  authority  the  Word  of  God,  this  openly  publi- 
shing and  proclaiming fach  perverfe  and  prophane  perforata 
be  thofefooles  who  (ay  in  their  hearts  there  is  no  God,— wor- 
kers of  iniquity  which  have  no  knowledge,— they  not  calling 
upon  the  Lord,  Pfcl.  14. 1,4.  and  therefore  god  It  ik  and  irrcli- 
gi-uis  Atheifts.  To  caft  offthe  feare  of  God,/*£  1  54  there- 
fore they  have  forfaken  the  Lord,  which  is  an  evil]  and  bitter 
thing,/rr.2, 1 9.  and  therefore  the  Lord  will  come  to  them  to 
jadgement,and  be  a  fwift  witnefle  againft  them,  4*'*/.  3  5.  To, 
want  the  fpirit  of  grace,  Z*ch  1 2. 1  ©.  or  the  fpirit  of  adop- 
tion, Rom,  8. 15,  and  therefore  not  to  belong  to  Chrift, 
Kom%  o. 

2    Yet letus  fellow  Chriftian  fouldiers  Pray. 

Firlt,But  to  whom  fhould  we  pray  .* 

Godonely  blefled  forever  ought  to  bee  the  object  of  our 
prayers,  namely  ,Father,Son,and  Holy  Ghoft. 

1.  For  bee  onely  is  omnifcient,  (earching  and  trying  the 
hearts  and  reincs,  and  therefore  he  onely  can  difcerne,  and  di- 
ftinguifti  whether  our  prayersbcfincere,found,  and  from  the 
heart  or  not,  le r.  1 7. 1  o. 

2.  For  he  only  is  omniprefent  at  all  times .  and  in  all  places* 
Ffal.  1 39.7.  to  heare  the  fukes  and  fupplk2ck>ns  of  all  jaou§ 
petitioners. 

3 .  For  he  onely  is  omnipotent,  able  to  give  and  grant  what- 
foever  we  ask,to  gratifie  and  glad  thoic  which  pray  unto  bim, 

4.  For  he  onely  is  the  object  of  out  faith,  7#&.i4  i*  there- 
fore of  our  prayer,  Rom.  1  o.  1 4. 

5 .  For  religious  worship  is  due  onely  to  him/Dew.  1 **i  ♦. 

But  fuch  is  prayer, cJWkf.  15.2  5 . 

6.  For  wee  muft  pray  according  to  Gods  fpfrit,  Romanes 
8.16.  which  tcachcth  .us  onely  ta  pray  wnto  die  Father, 
GdUt^6. 

Away  therefore  with  faint  pra jer* 

I.  Wbi* 


^HHF.tl.  TheChftjtUnCtnftm.  2*7 

t.  Which  robs  God  of  that  divine  honour  which  is  onefy 
dwctohim,c^f4/  6.9. 

a.  Which  robs  Chrift  of  that  office  of  Mediator/hip  which 
is  peculiar  and  proper  to  him,  1  77m.2. 7,6,8.  1  M.2.1,2. 
for  hee  onely  is  Mediatour  of  interceffion  as  well  asfajva- 
tiun. 

a.  Which  is  frivilows,  and  fruitlefle,  for  they  caa  neither 
heare  our  prayers,  know  our  warts  and  wift)e$,{/4.6'j.i  6.  nor 
give  and  grant  what  we  defire,  /*jpw.» x  7- 

4.  Which  is  idle,and  fupcrfhlbus^hf  ift  being  a  mcrcifull 
High-Prieft,fW.a  17.  touched  wid^bur  infirmities,  i<5#  to 
whom  wemaygoeboldly,7.35.  arid  God  through  the  alone 
mediation  of  Chrift  being  reconciled3and  exceeding  mercifull 
untous,2CV\i%$. 

% .  Which  is  no  where  warranted  in  facred  writ,  either  by 
divine  precept,  pracTrifc,  or  promifc,  all  which  directly  erode 
and  thwart  this  Antiehriftian  do&fine. 
'  And  pray  we  to  God. 

1 .  Which  is  the  fearcber  of  the  hearts  and  reine9,  Pf*f.  Mp«\ 
2  3.  a  divine  fpiritual!  eflence,declaring  unto  man  his  thoughts,  . 
lAmos^.  13.  privrctoallourfteps  and  ftations,  waict  and 
wandrings,  fyi/.  1 39.1.  and  therefore  acquainted  with  the 
fecret  plots  and  protects  of  Sathatis  curfed  complices.  And 
therefore  he  kno  -cshow  tofniftrate  their  intendments,  to 
turnc  their  confutations  into  fbolifhnefle,  or  caufe  them  to 
Tvorkeour  greater  good. 

a.  Who  is  almighty  and  all-fufftcient,  for  he  removeth  the 
mountainesjcommandeththe  Sun,{haketh  the  earth,  Sec.  lob 
9-5>6>7>%>  for  he  created  all  things  with  his  word  ofnothing, 
Gen.  1 .  to  him  nothing  is  impofTiblc,  gen.  1 8. 1 4  to  him  *ll 
things  ore  <u  nothings  be  inhibit  ants  of  the  etrtb  oe  graffe-hop- 
f  w,&C  7/4.4  o.  1  a ,  1 7.  from  him  none  cam  delivery  I  fa.  4  3 . 1 $ . 
Like  to  him  there  is  none  amongfi  the  mighty  9£x. 15  .11  .Therfore 
able  to  defend  and  deliver,  fave  and  fuccour  in  the  depth  of 
danger,  and  from  the  mod  dreadmll  dil  trefles. 

* .  Who  is  faithfull,ftanding  to  his  words ,»and  performing 
his  proraifes  made  to  us,  I  C*r.  1. 9.  io.ij,  Being  unchange- 
able 


***  ThechrlfiUnCHifliit.       'Gnii.itZ 

rtAc,UmA \.x7,  andalwaks  the  fame.  Therefore  ready  to 
penorme  all  his  promifes  made  for  our  protection,  prcferva- 
tion,and  the  like.  r 

Secondly,  To  this  God  therefore  let  as  pray. 
:     For  what? 

i.  Not  for  fuchtbings,(in  general!)  which  are  againQGodt 
glorjvthc  good  and  edificationofGods  €hurch,or  the  falvari. 
on  ofonrowne  foules  and  bodies. 

•  *•  Notforfich  things,  which  are  noifomc  and  nought,  be- 
ing evill  -by  nature,  or  accident.    Such  was  the  petition  ofthe 

Sfonfi™'*"  3  King* l  S""X*-  To  <hc  Lord  ^ 
iJetJh,7W 78  30.4 

£  Not  for  things  unfeemely  for  God  to  grant,  or  contrary 
to  nis  nature.  * 

4«  Not  for  things  already  obtained  and  en;oyed,except 
*.  To  have  thofe  good  things  in  pofTeflion,  which  wee 
Have  already  in  pcrfwafion  •  re  which  wee  have^r. 

u  *.  To  have  thofe  in  fuller  meafu  re,,  which  we  have  alrea- 
dy mfome  part.  . 

*•  J°  J»whatinufc, which  wehavein  pofleffioa 
4.  To  have  thofe  good  things  in  fenfe  and  fedine,  which 
we  have  in  knowledgetand  unhanding.  ^ 

tu  5V*0,havethcmfcnfibIv'  which  wcc  bave  ccrtainelv. 
we^Srr^  and°fdllty  WC  01ISht  toprayforthat 

-*i-  Notforthingsaltogetherimpoffible,  and  for  ever  to  be 
obtaincd,namely  fisch  which  are  contrary  to  Gods  everlaftinz 
and  unchangeable  decreets  for  example, 

I .  To  have  Chrift,  and  Antichrift  made  friends. 
■    %.  To  obtaine  life  without  death,the  cro wne  of immortali- 
ty without  the  erofle,^tf.i4.2  a.  «nonau 

3.  To  have  fin  pardoned  without  faith  and  repentance, 

4.  To  have  falvation.or  glorification  without,or  before  fin- 
«ihcation,  and  grace,ff^.ia.i4. 

■J.  J.  To  know  the  times  and  fcafons,  which  the  father  bath 
pit  inhisown  power,^*-./  j.ja.MTS.i.7. 

6.  To 


v,hap.ii§         TbtChrifliAnCtnpa.  219 

6*  To  prevent  or  put  off  the  appointed  time  of  death,  lot 

Not  but  that  a  man  may  and  ought  to  pray  for  many  things, 
which  cannot  be  had  in  this  life,as  namely,  whatfoever  good 
things  God  hath  promifed  to  his  Church  and  chofen  5  namely, 
we  may  and  ought  to  pm  y 

1 .  For  the  fu  Indfe  of  Gods  grace,and  fpirir. 

a.  For  the  perfection  of  thofe  graces,  which  are  began 
in  us. 

3.  For  the  utter  abolishing  of  Satans  kingdome,  ofAntv 
chrift,  Herefie,  Idolatry. 

4.  Fortheuniverfallcftablilhment,  and  flourishing  eftate 
of  Gods  Church,  Truth,GofpeU,Religion. 

5 .  For  anlwerable  oSedienccto  Gods  will  in  earth  and  in 
heaven,in  men  and  in  Angels,which  though  it  is  impoffiblc  for 
a  time,yetnot  for  cver,,neitber  in  all  refpeds  though  in  iomtr 
PWj. 12,15. 

But  forthingsneedful!,profitable,poffible,lawfull,  good, 
and  holy  we  mud  pray,  Udt.y.i  1 .  Some  of  them  abfolutely, 
namely,fuch  which  tend  to  Gods  glory,  1  Cor.  1  o.  3  1 .  and  our 
owne  and  others  falvation,as  for  hopc,raitb,  remiflioiv  of  fins, 
and  fuch  like.  Some  of  them  onely  conditionally,  namely  fo 
farre  forth  as  the  enjoyment,  and  pofleffion  of  them  may  be  to 
the  glory  ofGod^hc  good  of  the  Church,and  our  owne  $.thus- 
for  heakh,wealth,peace,  riches,chiHren,  and  fuch  like  not  ne«» 
ceflary,but  fecundary,  yet  good  blefllngs. 

1.  Want  we  wifedome,  whereby  to  confider  oar  latter 
endjDtttt. 5  i.ap,  To  (bun every  evill  way,.P ro.i.  To  frame 
our  lives  according  to  the  Word  of  God,  1  Tim.%  5 .  To  live 
precifely,  Epbtf.+.if.  To  improve  all  occafions  of  doing 
good,CW4-5.  Pray,  1  Ki*g.i.9.PfaI.?o.lT+ldm.i+i.Doih 
any  want  wifdome,let  him  ask,c**. 

2.  Would  wee  have  the  creatures  of  God,  and  all  our 
oourfes  fancYified,.feafoncd,  and  fweetned  to  us,  that  in 
the  trie  of  them  Sathan  may  not  furprife,  and  fupplant  us  fr 
Pray,  1  Tim.  4.  y .  €**rj  crt*t*rt  of  <j*d  U  /**B$fied  bj  thi 
Worded  prtocr* 

*  Wouli 


««•  ThcGhriftUnConfiict.  Chap.  12. 

3.  Would  w*eiria*c  remiflion  of  finnes,  and  the  feme 
ccrtainely  affured  to  us,  and  thereby  our  reconciliation  with 
God  ?  Pray. Hof.  14,1  .Tame  unto  the  Lord >4ud  fay. Take  away 
iniquity  >a*d  receive  ttegracioufiyf:  Mat.y.jt 

4.  Would  we  be  fufficiently  fortified  and  furnifhed  againft 
the  force,  and  fraud,  and  fury  of  all  infernall  fiends ;  yea  fe 
that,  although  they  fift  us,  our  faith  may  not  faile;  although 
they  buffet  us,  Gods  grace  may  bee  fufficient  for  us  ?  Pray. 
Luke  22.31.  /  have  prayed^  &c.    2  Cor. 1 2.  8.  /  befought9 

5.  Would  wee  bee  fur  niflied  with  the  fpirit  of  the  Lord, 
the  fpirit  of  wifdome ,  understanding,  the  fpirit  of  coun- 
-fell,  and  might,  V/tf.11.2  r*  Pray.  Luk,.  1 1.  1 3.  How  much 
mere  fhall  your  heavenly  father  give  the  holy  fpirit  to  them 
that  dike  him. 

6.  Would  we  remove  judgements  inflicled,  or  prevent 
them  being  threatned?  Pray.  Jam,?  13.  //  any  affiiBcd let 
him  pray.  Jeremy  26.19.  He z,ckiah  be fought >&c. 

7.  Would  we  have  the  power  and  predominance  of  fin, 
and  the  fame  fubdued  and  fupprefled  in  us,and  our  corruption* 
conquered?  Pray.  P fats 9  13.  Clean fe  me  from  fecret  finnes % 
keepemethat  prifumptuow  fins  prevaile  not  over  me.  119.133. 
Let  not  any  iniquity  hnve  dominion  ever  we. 

8.  Would  we  have  our  daily  wants  fupplied,  orrecom- 
:  penfed  to  us  ?  Pray.  lam.  I  .$ .  If  any  lacke>&c.  and  it  (hall  bet 
given  him, 

9.  Would  wee  have  our  whole  life  continually  dandifi- 
ed, and  wee  comfortably  prepared  &r  a  better  ?  Pray.  PhiU 

I.T^jlO. 

10.  Would  we  preferve,  cherifli,  and  ftrcngthen  all  fpi- 
r ituall  graces  in  w  ?  Pray .  £W.  1  .9  We  do  not  ceafe  to  pray . and 
defire  that  you  might  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  hie  wiHtu 
aS  wifdome  And fpirit uak  under fian&ng. 

11.  Would  we  obtaiiie,  and  enjoy  any  good  ?  Pray,  hh. 
l6,2  3 .  whetfotveryoufhalLmke  the  father  in  my  name,  he  wiM 
give  it  you. 

-  Sec9ndly,This  is  a  feveraignc  falve  for  every  fore. 

1.  It 


Chap. 12,         Thtchti{HanC*nflia.  221 

1 .  It  ftopt,  and  ftayed  thofe  many  dreadful!,  and  diftrcfling 
plagues  in  Egypt. 

2.  Ittcokeaway,  and  turned  the  contagious  incurable  lc- 
profie  of  o^f>«»  into  perfect  fanity,iV*a».  1 2.13. 

3.  ItefFectually  healed  the  weake,  and  withered  hand  of 
wicked  Ierobo*my  1  King.\$  6. 

4«  It  reftored  Pub  Urn  to  former  health  when  belay  fick  of 
a  fever,and  of  a  bloudy  flixe,  vtfA 2  8. 8. 

ThirdiyjThis  hath  eflfe<fred,and  brought  to  pafie  wonderful!, 
and  extraordinary  things. 

1.  It  hath  obtained  vidory  in  battel],  >C^#».  14.  it. 
20. 6. 

2.  It  caufed  thofe  two  great  lights  in  the  firmamcnt,which 
continually  run  with  incredible  fwiftne(fc,and  celerity  to  ftand 
flill,  /«Aio.  13.  in  the  midft  of  heaven  about  a  whole  day,  that 
Gods  people  might  be  avenged  ofthcir  enemies. 

J.  It  occafioned  the  folid  and  ftable  earth  to  fhake;  as  a 
figne  and  teftimony  of  Gods  love  and  favour  of  his  loving 
and  gracious  prcfencc  to  his  children,  1*8.4. 31.  16.26. 

4.  It  quenched  that  raging  and  furious  fire,  which  was 
kindled  by  the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  by  meanes  of  their 
finnes,   and  waftingly  confumed  the  people  in  Tdcrsb, 

Fourthly,  This  is  of  extraordinary  efficacic  and  power  in 
allthings,asanVnicornes  hornetoexpell,  and  take  away  the 
pollution  and  poifon,  the  harme  and  hurt  from  every  thing ;  a 
Ph)  fitian  in  (icknefle,in  every  (trite  a  Lawyer, 

Fiftly,  This  is  of  (uch  force  and  ftrength,that  nothing  is,  or 
can  bee  more  powerfull,  itprevaileth  overmen,  over  An- 
gels, H§f.  1 2.4.  over  Divcls,  M*tth.  1 7. 2 1 .  and  with  God, 

Sixthly,  This  is  a  fare  meuenger,  which  will  not,  cannot  be 
hindred :  a  fure  friend,  which  will  never  faile,  and  apuifiant 
prevailer  in  the  courts  of  heaven,  Zdcb.i}.?.  Lu»c*t. 3.5  6 , 
Mtttb.j.Z. 

1 .  For  the  Lord  our  God  is  a  hearer  of  prayers,  if  pious^nd 
righdy  performed,  Dettt.+.j.  ?{d%6$%i*   Q  thou  that  heareft 

prayers* 


22Z  TheChrijthnConflict.  Chap.i2. 

prayers.  He  bath  pawn'd  and  plighted  his  word  and  prornHe, 
which  is  yea  and  Amen,  to  grant  the  petitions  of  gratious  fui- 
torSjP/^/.jo.ij. 

2.  For  the  Lord  Iefus  who  offered  himfelfe  for  us  will  cer- 
tainely  offer  our  prayers  for  us. 

3.  ForthefpiritofGod  helpesour  prayers,  wee  by  him 
crying  Abba  Father. 

1 .  We  therefore  having  the  aide  and  affiftancc  of  G:>ds 
fpirit  to  frame  our  petitions,  we  being  not  able  to  be  our  owne 
Meffengers. 

?.  We  having  the  interceffion  of  our  blefled  Saviour, 
who  fealeth  ouftorayers  with  his  owne. 

3 .  We  having  the  gracious, and  gladfome  promife  of  our 
good  God,  with  whom  is  no  variableneffc,  nor  the  lead  iha- 
dow of  changing. 

4.  And  it  being  the  nature  of  God  to  heare  prayers. Pray- 
er miift  needs  be  fucceflefull  and  fpeeding,  po  werfull  and  pre- 
vailing. 

0bje&.  1 1  Say  not  beloved  brethren ;  wicked  men,  and  prophane  per- 

fons,  who  never  pray  ;profper,  and  are  glad,  their  eyes  fwell 
with  fatnefle,&c./VW  7$. 

'A»fw.  For  their  favours,  and  felicities  are  but  fickle,  and  fading, 

maimed,and  momentany,  notneedfull  and  principall,  onely 
fecondary  good  things  not  worth  the  asking  in  comparifbn  of 
the  many  matchleflfe  mercies,  and  invaluable  favours,  which 
God  vouchfafesto  thole  who  faithfully  and  fervently  call  up- 
on him  :  for     i 

1 .  Admit  they  are  cunning  and  skillfull  racn,furnifhed  with 
allindowmentsofart,  and  nature  to  manage  with  dexterity, 
and  difcretion  even  to  admiration,  and  aftoi>i{hment  the 
great  and  weightiefl  pollicies  ,  and  im ploy ments  of  a 
ftatc  like  *Achitofhel  wonderfullinfuchwifedome,2t$'#iw. 
16.  13. 

Todifcourfc,  difpute,  and  determine  learnedly  find  pro- 
foundly ofknQttyElenches,andfubtill  Sophifmes,  of  matters 
Ethical^PhyficalljMetaphy'ficalljOfall created  beings  having* 
breath  or  being  ir^the  great  underfill  wqrld:  of  the  earths. 

center 


<-hhp.I2.  The  ChrifunCtnflitt.  12  + 

center  and  circumference,  its  maffioes  and  magnitude,  its  va- 
riety offruks  and  flowers,  mines,  mettals,  come,  and  cattell  • 
inhabited,and  unhabitable  places;  of  the  feas  ipatioufnefie, 
and  profundity,  of  its  ftorming  forges,  irs  intricate  ebbin"  and 
f3owing ;  of  the  number  and  nature  of  many,  if  not  the  molt 
of  thofe  funreame  ftarry  bodies ;  of  the  fpheresand  planets; 
of  the  firft  moover,the  firft  matter,  the  being  of  beings,  and 
the  chiefeft  good  with  ArifiotU>  that  prime,  and  principal]  of 
Phi'ofophers. 

To  frame  ordinarily  as  eloquent  fpeech  deck'd  with  all  the 
rieceftary  and  garni  fining  ingredients  of  rhetoricall  oratory, 
as  ever  did  admired  Ckero.  Yet  what  is  ail  this  without  the 
laving  knowledge  of  God,  and  Chrift,  wherewith  Gods 
pious  petitioners  are  enriched,  i  Cor.  1.5.  you  are  enriched 
in  all  knowledge,&c.  and  abound,  2  Cor.8.7  t  Even  dung, 
anddroflc,7>&7.3.8. 

1.  That  fodeiightfull,anddefircd  knowledge  differenceth 
not  from  wicked  men/J'f*/.  1 1 . 2 5 . 1  Cor,  1.26. 

This,  though  deformed  and  defaced,  doth.  'Jlfyrbg  4. 1 1. 
a.  That  is  no  folid *  and  iiibftantiall,  comfortable  and  cordi- 
all  caufe  of  re  joycing. 
This  is,  ler.f.14. 
3.  That  is  not  life  eternall. 
This  is.  lob.  17.3. 

a.  Admittheir  bodies  were  deck'd  with  beauty,  and  love- 
linerTefarreforpafTing  chat  of /*/>/>&,  and  Ahfolom^  yea  of  all 
the  formes  and  faces  which  ever  man  fancied,  or  God  fafhio- 
nec* ;  were  furnifhed  with  the  ftrength  and  abilities  of  Go/iab 
andSamp/on  indued  with  the  utmoft  heroicall  fortitude  and 
valour  of  the  worlds  Worthies ;  clad  with  the  moft  curious, 
and  coftly  clothing  the  art  of  man  can  frame  or  faOiion ;  fed 
with  the  choiceft  cates  of  art,  and  narure,  and  every  waiesas 
happy  in  fuch  rcipe&s  as  heart  can  wifli ;  yet  all  theft  are  buc 
fond  felicities,beautifying,  and  delighting  onely  the  taberna- 
cles, and  temples  of  their  iordid  and  finfull.  poore  and  pined, 
loathfome,andunlovelyfoules;  the  matter  of  thefe  taberna- 
cles being  bale  dud,  earth,  and  allies ;  the  (late  mutable,  and 

the 


*  2  *  The  Chrtpdn  Ctojiill.         Ch  a  p  .  1 2 . 

the  continuance  (hort,  and  momentany :  for  they  mud  bee 
diflblved,  and  then  all  their  pompe  will  take  her  leave,leaving 
them  helpleflfe,  and  unlovely  to  turne  to  rottenncfle,  and  cor- 
ruption, and  their  poore  neglected  foules  to  never  endi.  g, 
and  eafelefle  torments  of  tormenting  Tophet,  where  their 
Worme  never  dieth,and  their  fire  is  not  quenched,^. 

Whereas  thofe  who  are  fincere  fuiters,and  fuppliants  to  the 
God  of  heaven. 

Their  foules  are  beautified  and  made  bkfled  with  the  rich 
robes  of  Ch  rifts  righteoufneflfe,  the  faving  graces  of  Gods  fpi- 
r if, which  are  ncceflary  to  falvation,  farrc  more  adorning  then 
all  outward  ornaments  whatfoever,  />/</**  49.8.   1  "Pet. 

Their  foules  are  ftrengthened,  enriched,  cleanfed,  and  fed 
to  life  eternall ;  yea  fotbat  they  live,  and  die  comfortab!y,and 
contentedly ;  and  after  their  earthly  tabernacles  are  diflblved, 
they  have  a  building  til  heaven  not  made  with   hands, 

sfiject,*.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  many  good  men  have  prayed, 

as  Dtvid  for  his  child ;  Samuel  for  Saul;  VmhI  for  the  remo- 
ving the  meflenger  of  Satan  which  buffeted  him,  and  did 
not  prevaile  3  therefore  prayer  is  not  available  ,  not 
fruitful!, 

/  */*.!•  For  prayer  rightly  performed  is  ever  profperous  and  iuc- 

ceffc  fall  either  obtaining  the  thing  fiicd  and  fought  for,  or  abi- 
lity to  want,  or  goe  without  it,  2  Cor.iz.  or  foraething  elfc 
'which  is  equivalent ,  i^  not  farrc  furpaiTing.  ?>4vid  loft 
indeed  the  child,  but  the  Lord  fent  him  in  lieu  thereof  a 

Salomon. 
£  The  Lord  dothnot  denie  becaufe  he  differs :  the  petitions 

of  his  people  are  not  denied  becaufe  it  is  the  good  will  and 
pleafure  ofGod  todeferre  to  give  the  full  en/  jyroent  of  things 
prayed  for.  Butthecaufes  wherefore  he  doth  delay  our  dc- 
fires,  deferre  and  put  off,  our  petitions  are 

Firft,Either  in  regard  ofthe  wicLed,to  aftonifh  and  affright 
ungodly  men  from  their  prefumptuous  pcrfwafions  oflate  re- 
pentance, and  their  abominable  abufc  of  Gods  patience,  and 

for- 


Chap.  I*];        7fo  Chriptdfi  Conflift.  11 J 

forbearance;  and  fo  to  make  them  the  more  inexcufa- 
ble  at  the  la  ft  day  :  for  by  this  dealing  with  his  deareft 
darling*  the  Lord  doth  manifeft  that  a  fleight  and  (len- 
der Lord  have  mercy  on  mee  ;  or  Lord  open  to 
us,  is  not  availeable  at  the  throne  of  grace,  but  afliduous  at- 
tendance, conftancy,  and  continuance  in  crying  and  calling 
unto  God,£*^.i8.i. 

Secondly,  In  regard  of  his  children  themfelvcs 

1.  Sometimes  to  chaften  ,  and  correct  their  wants 
and  weakeneffes  in  prayer  ,  as  namely  their  want  of 
knowledge,  o8/*/f£.20.i2.  for  they  fhouldpray  with  un- 
demanding, I  Cor.  14. 14.  Their  want  of  faith,  lamexi. 
6,7.  Their  want  of  fervency,  lames  5.  16.  Their  want  of 
humility,  Lnke  \  8. 1 1, 1 2.  Want  of  conftancy,  Luke  1 1. 
Their  want  of  obedience,  Z*cb%~].  1 1,1 1.  Their  want  of  fin- 
cerity,/>/*/.<56\i8.  Andfo  to  make  them  fitter  for  fuch  fa- 
vours and  mercies  they  pray  for. 

2.  Or  to  make  his  gifts  more  acceptable  to  us,  and  us 
better  efteeme,  and  more  highly  to  prife  Gods  peculiar 
mercies,  and  prayer  by  which  they  are  procured  :  things 
dearely  bought,  are  dearely  beloved  ;  things  hardly  procu- 
red are  highly  prifed  •  the  rarity  of  favours  makes  them  re- 
markable, trie  commonnefle  of  comforts  caufeth  too  often 
contempt;  peace  after warre,  a  fun-fhine  day  after  tempe- 
ftuous  troublefbme  weather,  plenty  after  fcarcity,  how  wel- 
come ?  whereas  when  they  have  long  time  continued  they  are 
little  regarded,if  not  much  contemned,wetoo  much  thirfting 
after  variety  and  change  5  and  loathing  too  much(for  the  leaft 
is  too  much)  long  lafting  benefits.  That  therefore  we  may  not 
deeme  and  eftimate  iiich  blcflings  tobeofcourfe,  and  not  of 
kindnefie,  but  might  the  more  honour  God  the  giver,  and 
highly  value  the  benefits  beftowed,it  is  the  good  will,and  plea- 
fureof  our  gracious  God  to  have  us  wake  when  wee  nave 
prayed  for  his  gracious  performance. 

3 .  To  exercife  our  graces  ;faith,patience,hope,and  conftan- 
cy are  tried,  irn ployed,  and  improved  by  Gods  delay ing,and 
our  expecting.    Thefc  make  us  cry.  louder,  and  knocke 

C^  harder 


harder  at  the  gates  of  mercy,  and  pray  more  unto  our  hea- 
venly father*  Hce  holds  off  to  give,  that  wee  his  fraile 
and  feeble,  weake  and  Hammering  children  by  often  peti- 
tioning may  by  exercifc  become  more  expert :  that  his  gifts 
and  graces  in  us  may  bee  more  manifefted  to  our  felves, 
and  others,  CWatth.  15.  And  becaufe  hee  loves  and  like?, 
defies  and  delights  in  the  prayers  of  his  people  :  As 
therefore  thofe,  who  are  delighted  i\)y  and  raviflit  with 
harmonious  melody  ,  pay  not  prefently  lead  they  fbould 
bee  gone,  but  deferre  to  reward  the  mufitians  that  they 
might  delight  them  longer  ;  Even  fo  the  Lord 
of  heaven  and  earth  ,  much  delighting  in  the  humble 
and  hearty ,  faithfull  and  fervent  prayers  of  his  people, 
deferre9  to  grant,  yet  fo  that  wee  are  no  loofers  by  our 
waiting  ;  Hannah^  Eli^tbcth ,  and  Sarah  prayed  ear- 
ncftly,  and  waited  long,  the  firft  had  a  Samuel ,  \\\z 
fecond  a  John  Baptifl,  and  the  third  an  Ifsack,  for  her 
(laying.  Iaaoi  wreflled  all  night,  and  in  the  end  hee  got  a 
bleffing. 

4.  To  prove  our  faith,  whether  wee  will  feeke  unlaw- 
ful meanes,  by  gadding  to  the  witch  at  £W*r,  or  the 

IdollofJ?^*. 

5.  To  make  us  throughly  privie  to  our  owne  infir- 
mities ,  that  wee  may  the  more  heartily  embrace  his 
ftrength. 

6.  To  ftrengthen  our  devotion  towards  him,  for  delay  ex- 
tendeth  our  defires. 

Thirdly,  Or  in  regard  of  Ged  himfelfe,  namely,  to  make 
knowne,and  manifeft  his 

1.  Wifedome,  as  beft  knowing  what  is fitteft  for  iw. 

a.  Iuftice,beingoflFended,andcorredingus  hereby  for  our 
« teanfgreffions. 

3.  Love,  denying  that  wee  demand,  that  hee  may 
give  us  better  ;  or  when  wee  arc  better  fitted  for  fuch 
favours. 

4.  Liberty,  he  not  being  bound,  but  free  to  give  what,and 
when  himfelfe  pleafeth. 

Say 


Chap.i^  TbiCh?ifiid*Ccnfi8.  227 

Say  not,  beloved  brethren,  God  is  not  ignorant,  therefore  OtjeS.  3. 
wee  need  not  tell  him ;  hce  is  not  forgetful],  wee  need  rot 
therefore  remember  him  of  our  wants  3  Hec  is  not  careleiTe, 
we  need  not  call  upon  him. 

For  Though  he  is  not  ignorant,  yet  he  will  have  us  tefthim  Anfa* 
thar  which  hee  knowes,  that  wee  may  acknowledge  his  om- 
nifcience.and  give  him  that  part  ofhis  glory. 

Though  hce  is  ret  forgetfull,  yet  hee  will  have  us 
put  him  in  remembrance ,  thar  fo  wee  may  acknowledge 
his  mindfullnefle  of  us,  and  ftirre  us  up  to  remember  his 
promifes. 

Though  he  is  continually  carefull  of  \\s}  yet  hee  will  bee 
often,  and  earneflly  called  upon,  and  follkited  with  oi\r 
fuits,  that  fo  we  may  exercife  our  faith,  hope,  patience,  and 
other  like  gladfome  graces. 

Say  nor,  beloved  brethren,  God  hath  determined  what  oh]t8.A\ 
to  doe,  decreed  what  to  give  \  therefore  prayer  is  bootkiTe, 
and  unprofitable. 

1.  For  wee  are  to  walke  according  to  the  revealed  will  dnfw* 
ofGody  which  en  joy  nesnis  often  and  earneflly  to  pray,  and 
nottopeepe,andprieiritothe  hidden  and  infcrutable  fecrets 
of  the  Almighty. 

3.  Though  h«  decrees  are  not  changeable  ;  yet 
wee  fee,  and  fenfibly  know  that  his  dealings  are  change- 
able in  divers  things,  as  in  turning  of  bleffings  into  cur- 
fes,  &c. 

3.  Though  his  everlafting  decree  is  unchangeable,  yet  his 
temporary  conditional!  decree  may  be  altered. 

4.  Though  wee  cannot  perhaps  obtaine  the  benefit  wee  de- 
fire  ;  yet  we  (hall  get  as  good,  or  a  better,  and  fo  be  no  loofers 
but  gainers. 

But  rcafen,  and  refolve  thus,  or  after  the  like  man- 
ner. 

1.  Is  our  G  o  d  fo  good  and  gracious  as  to  give 
good  things  to  them  that  aske  him,  C-3/** /£.  7. 1 1 .  Is  hee 
fo  omnipotent  and  almighty,  that  hee  can  doe  what  hee 
will,  TfAbnt  115.  3,   Doth  his  providence  difpofe  and 

Q^a  order 


1*8  The  chriflUn  CtnfliSt.       Chap.i*. 

order  all  things,  even  to  the  haircs  of  our  heads,  and 
the  falling  of  Sparrowes  ?  Hath  hee  (tricflly  enjoyned , 
and  ftraightly  commanded  us  to  pray  ,  rP/aIme  50.  1 5. 
Hath  hee  gratioufly  promifed,  that  thofe  who  aske  (hall 
have,  feeke  {hallrtnde,  'JMattb.j.  7.  Is  hee  fo  willing  to 
grant,  that  bis  eares  are  open  to  heare  the  cry  of  the  righteous, 
Vfd.  3  4. 1 5.  And  is  he  ready  to  grant  before  wee  aske?  I  fa. 
65.  24. 

2.  Is  prayer  acceptable  with  God  in  the  courts  of 
heaven,  1  Timothy  2 . 1 ,  2.  Is  it  availeable  even  fo  to  ad- 
miration, that  it  fhields,  and  fuccours,  and  fafe- guards  us 
againft  the  Divell,  Epbefians  6.  That  it  obtained  victo- 
ries, remooved  Leprofies,  cured  Plagues,  recovered  health, 
ftayed  the  Sunne  in  the  firmament,^.  That  it  (ancliffeth 
every  thing,  takes  away  the  hurt  of  evill,  fweetneth  all 
diftreCfes  ,is  a  fore  remge  in  time  of  danger,  and  brings 
falvation. 

Firft ,  iThen  \  furely  wee  will  not  with  the  prophane 
prayerlefle  Atheill  negled  this  fweet,  and  (bveraigne  fa- 
crifice  of  profitable ,  and  prevailing  prayer  ;  for  in  fo 
doing  wee  fhould  leave  our  felves  without  excufe  ,  we 
fhould  demonftrate  an  abfence  of  grace,  and  Gods  fpi* 
rit  in  our  hearts,  wee  fhould  loofe  all  faculty  of  prayer, 
and  deprive  our  felves.  of  innumerable  comforts  in  trou- 
bles, and  of  conqucfts  over  our  corruptions  aud  Sathans 
conflicts. 

Secondly,  Then  furely  wee  will  not  dare  to  perplexe 
and  perfecute  God  s-  peculiar  people,,  whofe  prayers, 
yea  whofe  groanes  and  fighes  are  fo  forcible  and  effe&u- 
all  with  the  Lor  d  of  heaven,,  iwho  is  both  able,  wil* 
ling,  and  ready  preft  to  deliver  and  defend  them  from  the 
depth  of  diftrefe,  and  to  execute  vengeance  upon  their 
perfecutours. 

Thirdly,  Then  furely  wee  will  not  dread,,  nor  beedif- 

mayed  with  the  terrible'  aflaults ,  furious  attempts,   and 

dreadful!  temptations  of  Satan ;   nor  with  the  frownes,  fu- 

'riousragea  and  irefull  menaces  of  his  instruments^   Since 

prayer 


Chap.12.        the  Chrifthn  Conflict.  219 

prayer  is  fo  powerful! ,  findc  wee  a  heart  to  pray,  God 
hath  an  eare  to  heare,  and  a  hand  to  helpe.   Hee  heard  re- 
bellious and  difbbcdient  Ifrael  asking  a  King.     Egiptian  i  Sam.8. 
Hagar  for  her  fcoffir.g  Ifimael.    CMofes  his  fervant,   in-  Gen  %  i  i 
treating   for    rebellious  ,    ftubborne ,    and    hard-hearted 
7 har oak.  The  Prophet  praying  for  cruell,  contradicting,  Exod.7.8. 
and  contemning  leroboam.    And  will  hee  not  heare  mee   i  -j.     f 
a  Saint  ?   a  Sonne  ?    and  for  my  felfe  ?    Certainely  hee        l  *'  *' 
will. 

Fourthly,  Then  furely  wee  will  be  carefull,  and  circum- 
fped  that  wee  pray  not  amifle  ;   for  otherwife  wee  may 
aske,  and  not  receive,  fames  4.3.   What  man,except  ftrange- 
ly  foolifh,  if  notftrongly  frantique,  knowing  that  a  peti- 
tion rightly  penned,  or  pronounced  to  his  dread  Sovcraignc 
was  of  force  to  fruftrate  all  his  enemies  malicious  machina- 
tions againft  him;  to  procure  and  purcbafe  more  mercies 
then  his  tongue  could  crave,  or  his  heart  wifli  5    to  winde 
himfelfe  into,  and  lioke  himfelfe  faft  for  ever  in  his  Princes 
favour,  would  not  prepare  to  put  up  the  fame  with  premedi- 
tation and  advifement,  leaft  by  his  precipitate  inconfiderat^- 
nefle  hee  not  onely  loofe  all  thofe  tranfeendently  excellent  ex- 
pected clemencies  and  kindnefies,  but  alfo  incenfe  with  in- 
Fatiablerage  and  fury  his  difplcafed  Soveraigne  ?   And  (hall 
we  careleflely  and  cuftomarily, formally  and  for  fafhion  only, 
idly,  or  indecently,  faintly  or  faithlefiely,    finfully  and  not 
finccrely  pray  ?    Since  (Sod  heareth  not  finners,  lohn  9.  3 1. 
neither  can  abide  their  prayers  who  live  in  their  finnes,  If  a.  1 . 
1 5 ,  Since  the  prayers  of  wicked' men  are  abomination  to  the 
Lord,  Pro.  15.8.  And  if  wee  regard  iniquity  in  our  hearts, 
God  will  not  heare  us,  Pfalme66. 1 8.    Shall  wee  I  fay  fo 
fleightiy,  fupeificially,  and  finfully,  fo  careleflely,  corruptly, 
and  unconfcionably  pradife  this  pious  duty  of  prayer,  as  to 
difpleafe,  and  difhonour  God ;   to  difgrace,  and  damning 
cur  felvcs  ;»  and  not  rather  by  ra  ferious,  found,  and  fin- 
cere  performance  cf  the  lame  pnrchafe,  and  procure  honour 
to  God,  happinefTeto  ourfelves^  glory  to  God,  grace,  and 
goodnefe  to  our  owne  foules  ?• 

Qj  5.  Pray 


aj$  TheChrijUanConpft*  Chap.iz. 

5 .  Pray  we  therefore 

Pirft,  With  premeditation,  taking  rjinto  us  words,  Hof. 
14.1.  and  po wring  out  our  meditations  before  die  Lord,  Pfal. 
1 02. 1.  As  meditation  ought  to  goe  before  fpeech  in  prea- 
ching ;  fo  ought  it  in  prayer  alfo.  The  heart  ought  to 
proceede  and  goe  before  the  mouth  in  pious  performan- 
ces, Pfal,  I9.I4.  Let  the  wards  of  my  mouth,  and  the  medita- 
tions of  my  heart,  &c.  CMattb.  s  a » 2  5 .  «^/  goad  man  ont 
of  the  good  treafure  of  bU  heart  bring*th  forth goad things* 
As  filling  goeth  before  emptying  of  vertels,  fo  the  heart, 
foule,  minde ,  and  fpirit  in  prayer  muft  firft  bee  filled 
with  good  thoughts,  motions,  defires,  meditations,  and 
sffeclions.  Prayer  therefore  is  no  lip  labour,  nor  a  lafie 
werke  ;  but  painefiill,  even  a  breaking  up  of  a  mans  heart, 
and  a  powring  ont  of  his  fbule.  Whether  rvee  pray,  or 
preach  ( faith  one )  wee  ought  not  to  come  wildly ,  and  nn- 
advifedly  to  thofe  facred  worses ,  beating  the  aire  w$th  empty 
words y4nd peeking  oar  matter  up  anddowne,  as  S,iul  his  fathers 
ajfes;  butf*rni[&ed%  and  prepared  to  our  bn/tneffe  with  fuffcient 
meditation,  I  never  fiall  perfxvad*  my  felfethat  the  exa&eSl 
wduHrie  which  either  tongue  or  pen  can  taJ^  in  the  handling  of 
hii  workes  can  diffleafc  Cjod* 

Have  we  therefore  fuch  fore,  hand  thinking  meditations 
which  concerne 

1 .  Oar  miferies,pre{Tures,  and  diftrefifes. 

2.  Our  manifold  fins  and  iniquities,  occafioning  the  fame, 
yea  deferving  all  Gods  judgements  threatned  or  inflicted, 
That  from  thefe  two  may  flow  contrition  for  fin,  hatred  and 
indignation  againft  the  fame. 

3.  Gods  anger  arifing  of  them,  and  hisftricl  jadice  pro- 
voked by  the  fame,  thefe  meditations  procuring  and  produ- 
cing feare,d  read,  and  reverence  of  the  divine  Ma  jefty. 

4.  Gods  mercifull  promifes,and  gracious  properties,  thefe 
forcing  and  filling  the  faithfull  and  feeble  foule  with  faith, 
hope,;oy,and  comfort,  Pfal.j7.6>jy$. 

Society  of  Secondly,  With  thofe  neceffarie  ingredient?  of  purity, 

Saints,p«i4i.   &e*  (for  tainted  affections  will  marre  good  Orifons)  of 

which 


Chap.  12.  TheChriJtidnCcnftti.  i$x 

which  I  have  fpoken  in  my  Difcourfe  ofthe  Society  of  Saints. 
Thirdly,  And  with  a  dutifiall  and  diligent  marking  and  ob- 
ferving  the  fruir,and  event  of  our  prayers :  not  dealing  with 
our  petitions  as  fooles  and  children  doe  with  (tones  andfach 
like  toyes  darting  and  flinging  them  into  the  ayre,  not  regar- 
ding what  becomes  of  them,  or  how  they  fall :  But  like  wife, 
arfd  wary  fuiters  in  Kings  courts,  who  oft  renue  againe  and  a- 
gaine  their  petitions,  and  alwaieswaite  and  expeft  whether 
they  fhall  fpeed,  And  if  not,  why 

i.  That  not  finding  fuch  defired  fucceffe  as  wee  wiflhed  and 
cxpeded,our  prayers  not  prevailing  as  we  fuppofed,  we  may 
imitating  the  Saints  of  God  in  like  cafe 

i.  Be  feelingly  fenfible  of  fuch  repulfe,  and  mournefully 
grieve  and  forrow  for  the  fame.  />/*/.  a  8.  t.  leaft  if  thou  heave 
net  I  become  file. 

2.  Submiffively  difcufle,  and  humbly  defire  to  know  the 
caufe  ofthe  Lords  forfaking  us,  Pfal.i  2. 1  .^Mj  God,  my  God, 
7*hj98cc. 

3 .  Diligently  fi ft  our  felves,  and  fearch  out  the  caufe( with 
.JWimitable  in  this)  why  God  doth  not  gracioufly  anfwer  us, 
I  Sam  14.28. 

4.  Refolutely  refolving  to  renounce  and  for  ever  to  relin- 
quii"h  that  make-bate  betweene  God  and  us,though  it  be  a  dar- 
ling delightfull  Jonathan y\  Sam.  1 4. 39. 

5.  And  having  found  out  this  troubler  of  our  peace,  and 
hinderer  of  our  prayers  mortifie  the  fame  without  mercy  or 
compaflion,^.  44.  lofi,  7.25. 

Thus  fearching,  and  trying  our  waies,  as  to  turne  againe  to 
the  Lord, Lament*  $  .40. 

And  that  perceiving  by  experience  our  poore  petitions  and 
wcake  prayers  to  find  gracious  and  favourable  acceptance  at 
the  throne  of  grace,  and  to  have  profpering  fucceffe,  we  may 
be  inflated,  enlivened,and  inflamed 

1 .  To  glorirle,  and  give  honour  to  our  good  and  gracious 
God,P/*/.50.i5. 

1.  To  forfake,  and  forever  to  abandon  the  fervice,  yea 
flavcry  of  fin,  and  the  Satanicall  fociety  of  finfull  fonnes  of 

C^4  Beliall, 


Beliall,7>jfc/.tf.8.  the profeft  enemies  oftbe  Lord  Iehovah. 

3.  To  love  the  Lord,  who  hathbeene  fo  favourable  as  to 
heare  our  voice  and  our  implications,  P/al. ii6.t. 

4.  Andtobemorerefolute,  and  ready  to  pray  :  good  pay 
encouragetb  to  worke  cheerefully  and  conftantly.  Liberal!, 
and  bountifull  beneFa&ours  win,  and  allure  conftant,and  centi- 
nuall  cravers.  The  Lords  readineflfe  to  heare  did  animate  T>*- 
vid,  and  fhould  us  like  wife  to  perfift  refolutely  and  conftantry 
in  prayer,  P/*/,  1 1 6. 2 . 

Sect,  2. 

Why  rsefhould  pray  for  Kings  and  all that  are  in  Autho- 
rity',  and  for  T*baty  why  for  ^a/lours  and  for 
what,  why  for  our  Children,  and 
why  alfo  for  enemies. 

THuspray  we  not  oneTy  for  our  felves,  but  alfo  for  all- 
men,!  Tim.2.x .  namely  which  are  capable  of  fuch  gifts, 
graces,and  good  things  which  we  pray  for:Three  forts  are  un- 
capable  of  the  graces  Gods  people  petition  principally  fbr.To- 
wit,The  damned  in  hell/The  dead  in  Chriftjand  the  defperate 
impenitent  (inner,  whoiins  the  fin  againfl  the  Holy  Ghoft,and 
therefore  thefe  are  not  to  be  prayed  for* 

1.  The  damned  are  capable  of  no  grace,  no  good,  no 
mercy,  no  favour.  Dives  defrred  but  one  drop  of  water  to 
comfort  and  coole  his  tongue  burning  and  broiling  inthofe 
intolerable  and  infernall  flames^d  could  not  obtaine  fo  fmall 
a  favour. 

2.  ThcdeadinChriftaredeftituteof  no  grace,  goodnefle, 
freedome,favour,  honour,  or  happinefle*  they  enjoying  to  all 
eternity  fuch  and  fo  many  glorious  bleffedneffes,  that  the  heart 
of  man  cannot  conceive  or  imagine,  much  le(Te  can  the  tongue 
of  men  and  Angels  expreffe,  and  declare  the  fame. 

To  pray  for  the  firft  fort  of  thefe  is  frivolous,and  fruitleffe.3 
To  pray  for  the  latter  is  needleffe,  and  unneceffary ;  and  im- 
poflible  to  doe  good  to  either^ 

To 


Sicim."  The  Chrijlian  Ctnflift.  233 

To  pray  therefore  for  either  is  finfulJ,  and  unlawfoll ;  be- 
caufe unneceflfary  and  unprofitable,  becaufe  it  is  not  of  faith  s 
for  faith,  and  every  article  of  faith  mull  be  grounded  upon 
Gods  Word  and  Canonical!  Scripture.  But  to  beleeve  that 
the  dead  arc  to  be  prayed  for  is  not  grounded  on  the  fajcred 
Word  of  God,  there  being  in  the  Canonicall  Scripture  to 
warrant  the  fame  neither  Teftimony  or  precept,  Example  or 
pra&ife,  Promife  of  re  ward,  nor  punifhment  threarncd  for 
the  negleft  thereof. 

Therefore  fuch  prayer  is  Impious,  becaufe  no  where  war- 
rantable. Hurtfull  (becaufe  (infull)  to  the  petitioner.  Need- 
lefleifin  heaven.  Vnprofitableif  in  hell.  Impoffible  to  doe 
good  whereibever  therefore  not  of  faith,  and  utterly  un- 
lawful!. 

3.  The  defperate  living  capable  of  fome  earthly,  corporall, 
temporall  favours :  but  of  no  heavenly*  fpirituall,  or  eternal! 
grace,  we  may  net  pray  for  any  fuch  in  their  behalfe,  but  one- 
ly  for  thofeotber  whereof  they  are  capable  :  thus  CMofts  foe 
Pbwobythe  Prophet  for  leroboam,  1  King.  1 3.  rf.  CMofes  was 
fo  farre  from  praying  for,that  he  prayed  againft  the  curfed  con- 
fpiratours,M*w£.i  6. 1 5.  The  Lord  forbids  Sumnel  to  mourne 
for  SahI>  1  S*m.i6.j.  D^t/^prayesagainft  the  wicked,  ?/*/» 
5.10.  50.5.  And  Saint  Uhn  telleth  us  there  are  finnersfbr 
whom  we  {hould  not  pray,i  fob.  ?.i  $.  But  it  being  Gods  pre- 
rogative to  know  who  are  his,  2  Tim.  1 . 1  p.  and  although  they 
doe  oppofe,  God  may  give  them  repentance  to  the  acknow- 
ledging of  the  truth,  and  to  recover  themfelves,&c.  2.  Tim.z* 
25,26. 

Take  wee  heed  that  we  pray  not  againft,  no  not  wicked 
men. 

1.  Pray  we  may  againft  the  caufe  of  a  wicked  man,  not  his 
perfon,he  being  a  brother. 

2.  Pray  we  may  againft  the  plots  of  private  enemies  a- 
gainfl  uSjnotagainft  themfelves,!  Sam.  15.31. 

3 .  Pray  we  may,and  muft  againft  the  whole  body  of  Satan,. 
l*d£.$.3i.Pf*I.i29;5m 

4.  Pray  we  may  againft  fome  notorious  member  of  Satan* 
»amely  1.  If 


*34  The  Chriftun  Conflict.  Chap.i2. 

i.  lfnotasour,but  Gods  enemies,  Iliunning  carnall  de- 
fire  of  revenge. 

2.  If  they  are  knowne  to  be  incurable. 

3 .  We  aiming  at  Gods  glory,  that  it  may  (nine ;  bis  chil- 
dren bee  bettered ;  not  limply  wiping  the  deftruclion  of  the 
perfon. 

5.  Pray  we  may  againft  them  conditionally,namely,  rather 
that  they  may  perifti,then  any  longer  reproach  God  by  malice, 
and  hinder  the  falvation  of  many. 

But  to  returne,  and  proceed . 

Pray  w  e  for  Kings,Princes,  and  all  fuch  who  are  in  authori- 
ty, lTim.2.2. 

1 .  That  they  may  have  Gods  gracious  favour,  and  needfull 
protection  from  all  evill. 

2.  That  they  may  have  his  good  guidance,  and  divine  di- 
rection in  all  their  waies . 

3.  That  they  may  abound  in  knowledge,  prudence,  wife- 
dome,  and  difcretiontoknowhowto  goein,  and  out  before 
their  peoplejtounderftand  how  to  judge  them,and  to  difcerne 
betweene  good , and  bad,  1  King.^.jyS.p. 

4.  That  they  may  be  furniflied,and  fitted  to  doe  judgement, 
and/uftice,  Df*M.i*.  P/4/.1.10.  72.1.  Give  the  Kingthj 
judgements  O  god,  and  thy  righteou/neffe  unto  the  Kings 
Sonne. 

$.  That  they  may  have  fortitude,  courage,  and  upright 
fc verity  to  punifh  tranfgreffours  with  fit  penalties,  Pfrf.  101. 
8.  Pro.to.%. 

6,  That  they  may  have  temperance,  and  not  be  given  too 
much  to  pleafures,  nor  to  profits,  cDeut.\'j.\7.  ?r#.g'i.4afbr 
thefe  two  have  perverted  many,  1  King.  12.10. 

7.  That  they  may  have  difcrcct  clemency  to  rule,  and 
reigne  over  their  people  as  their  head,  doing  them  good,  and 
behaving  themfel  ves  numbly  towards  thenv 

8.  That  they  may  be  carefull  of  their  fubjecls  good,  ruling 
over  them  for  God,  as  deputies  under  another  King ;  and 
therefore  according  to  the  will  of  God,  that  great  King  com- 
manding good,  forbidding  evill;  being  carefull  notonelyof 

their 


ohct,2.  TbeCvrijtidvCoTiftiet.  235 

their  bodies  and  eftatcs,  (1^.41.49.  butalfoand  cfpeciallyof 
their  foules  and  (alvation.    And  therefore  that  they  would, 

1.  Pray  to  God  for  their  fubjecfls,  2  £00.14.171  1  Chronl 
3p.  18. 

2.  As  alfo  exhort,  provoke,  and  ftirre  them  up  to  religion, 
and  pious  performances^  hfh. :  3  2,6,8, 11. 

p.  That  they  maybe  zealous  for  Gods  glory,  truth,  and 
\vord,fuch  who  feare  God  ;  praclimigitthemtlves,  and  fee- 
ing that  it  be  praftifed  in  their  Courts  and  Countries. 

For  as  well  the  knowledge  as  the  practice  of  a  righteous 
life  is  the  fpeciall  gift  of  God,  and  therefore  to  be  begged  o?$ 
and  prayed  for  from  him. 

Likewife  the  knowledge  and  the  practice  of  civill  ;u- 
fiice  i6  a  lingular  gift  of  God,  by  prayer  therefore  to  be  eh* 
tained. 

And  all  Chriftian  people  are  bound  to  pray  for  theif  Prin- 
ces and  Governours,  that  God  would  give  them  the  rore-na* 
med  kinds  of  judgement  and  righteoufneiTe,  celefliall  and  ci- 
vil!, P/d/.7*,i.For  jufticeisfo  neceffary  in  Governours  fa- 
preaaie  and  fubordinate,  that  S.  Angnftine  faith,  luftice  being  Augufi.Ub^. 
removed,  what  are  kingdom* s  fave  great  robberies  !  — Acer*  caP'4.<k  Civil 
taine  Pirate  being  ta\eny  anfwered  Alexander  the  great  ele-      et' 
gantly  and  truly ;  For  when  the  King  had  asked  the  man  where" 
fore  he  was  fo  noyfome  to  thefeas  ?  He  with  a  boldftoutneffe  an- 
fwered,  and  why  are  you  fo  dangerow  to  the  world?  'But  be- 
caufe  1  do  it  with  a  little  (hip  am  caBed  a  theefe ;  becaufe  yon 
with  a  great  fleet  are  called  an  Emperour.  And  S.  rAmbroft 
makes  this  equivalent  to  all  other  vcrtues,  faying,  Where  wif-  fjjf^/e^" 
dome  it ,  there  oftentimes  it  malice.  Where  fortitude ,  there  oft  '  ***'*' 

times  is  anger.  Where  temperance,  there  is  envy.  Where  up- 
right  dealing  or  juftiee  is>  there  are  all  venues. 

The  realbns  to  inforce  people  thus  to  pray  in  the  behalfe  of  Motives. 
their  Kings,  Princes,  and  others  in  authority,are  of  great  vari- 
ety and  validity,  pientifull  and  prevalent,  many  and  of  great 
moment. 

1.  Thus  to  do  is  theprefcript  and  command  of  our  good  Aprtceptk 
andgracioiw  God,our  fimrentf  aadfoveraigne  Lord,7rr.?9.7* 

Seeks 


Ah  exemplo. 
Tertul.Apol. 


Marian,  ie  Re- 
ge  &  Reg.in~ 
fiit.cap.6.pa£. 


^muffaxU* 


*$6  7  he  Chrifikn  CmjliB.        Ch  a  p  .  1 2 ". 

Seeke  the  f  etc*  of  'Babylon^  and  fray  unto  the  Lord  fork. 
I  Tim.i.  i .  Tray  for  Kings,  and  all  in  authority ,&c. 

3.  Thus  doing  we  imitate  the  pious  pra&ifes  of  Gods  holy 
ones  whom  we  ought  to  follow  as  they  followed  Chrilt.  W* 
aS  (faith  Tertullian)  pray  alwaies  for  aB  Emperours,  that  they 
way  have  a  long  life,  a  quiet  government ,  a  fafe  family,  ftronje 
armies  i  a  faithful  co**fe39  an  hone/}  people,  a  quiet  c$u*trejy 
and  whatsoever  are  de fired  of  men  and  C*far.  Y et  were  E  m- 
perours  in  thofe  times  ty rannicall  periecutours.  How  unlike 
are  the  unchriftian  tenets  and  diabolicall  damnable  praclifes  of 
our  adverfaries  the  Papifts  to  thefe  of  the  ancient  Fathers  and 
the  Primitive  Chriftians.-  Heareoneoftbemfpeake,  loanntt 
diariaua  in  a  booke  of  his  dedicated  to  Philip  the  third  King 
^of  Spaine,  printed  by  authority.  He  commends  the  fact  of 
"lames  Clement  a  Dominican  Frier  killing  Henry  the  third 
King  of  France ,  calling  it  a  renowned  conftancy  of  heart ,  a 
memorable  noble  ad— againe,  the  King  being  flaine,  he  raifed 
to  himfelfeaH  excellent  name— againe,  fpeaking  of  the  weak- 
neffe  of  his  body,  he  faith,  a  greater  power  did  f  trengthen  his 
forces  and  courage.  Before  he  faith,  that  the  Monk  was  rc- 
fblved  by  their  Divines  with  whom  he  confulted,  that  a  ty- 
rant may  lawfully  bed  eftroyed.  Andhehimfelfe  faith  in  the 
fame  Chapter,  that  if  Princes  oppreflfe  the  common-  wealth,  if 
they  are  intolerable  with  vices  and  filthinefle,  they  may  not 
onely  lawfully,  but  alfo  with  praifeand  honour  be  deftroyed. 
Excellently  therfore  faith  our  Church  in  a  prayer,to  be  laid  on 
the  R ft  of  November,  whofe religion  is  rebellion,  whofe  faith 
ufattieny  whofe praElice  is  murthering  of  foules  and  bodies. 

3 .  This.is  a  matter  of  important  weight  and  urgent  necefli- 
tic ;  for, 

1 .  No  King,  Prince,  or  Potentate  hath  thefe  gifts  or  graces 
of  himfelfe,  but  by  grace  and  inipiration  from  above,  10632. 
8,  p.  The  inffirationof  the  Almighty  giveth  underftauding, 
fir  eat  men  are  not  alwaies  wife*  EecL  3 . 1 6\  5.8.  I  o.  j .  ler*  1 5 . 
1 7*  Every  man  is  brutifr  by  his  knowledge. 

2.  None  can  give  thefe' graces  and  excellent  endowments 
but  God  onely,  who  beftowes  them  upon  thofe  whoask  bjm, 

M 


3  £  c  t.  2.  The  Chriflidn  Ctrfiff.  237 

2ob  58.3^.  Whohath  putwifdome  in  the  inward  pdrtf,  or  who 
bath  given  underHanding  to  the  heart  !  3  8. 1 2 .  where  fhaf\  wif- 
dome  be  found  i  &C.  Whence  then  commit  h  wifdome?  and  where 
it  the  place  of  under  (landing?  Ytx£.lo.  God  under  ft  andeth  the 
-way  thereof,  &c.  23.  It  h  Gods  blefilng  which  makes  all 
thing  prof  pen.  us  and  fucce  fie  fall,  Pf.  X2  7. 1  .It  is  he  that  giveth 
falvation  unto  Kings, Pfal.  144. 10.  It  is  he  who  leads  in  the 
way  of  righteoufnefle  in  the  midft  of  the  paths  of  judgement, 
Prov.  8.  jo.  A  juft  waight  and  ballance  arc  the  Lords,  all  the 
waights  of  the  bag  are  his  worke,  1 6. 1 1 .  Mans  goings  are  of 
the  Lord,  Prov.io.  14,  The  Kings  heart  is  in  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  as  rivers  of  waters  ,  he  turneth  it  whitherfoevcr  he 
will,  Tr ov.  2 1 . 1 .  Yea  every  mans  judgement  comineth  from 
the  Lord,  15^25. 

3.  After  he  hath  given  he  often  takes  away  againe,  as  from 
Sauly  from  whom  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  departed^nd  an  evill 
fpirit  from  the  Lord  troubled  him,  l  Sum.  1 5. 1 4.  and  with- 
holds-his  grace  of  afliftancer  hb  ia.20^  He  removeth  away 
the  ipeech  of  the  trufty,and  taketh  awaythe  under  (landing  of 
the  aged,  he  powreth  contempt  upon  Princes,  and  weakenech 
the  ftrength  of  the  mighty.  Ier.  51.57, 1  will  malee  drunlee  her 
princes  and  her  wife  men,  her  captaines,  and  her  rultrs,  and 
her  mighty  men >  faith  the  King  nbofe  name  u  the  Lord  of 
hoajls. 

4.  When  thefe  and  fuch  like  graces  are  wanting,  in  the 
government  of  Kings  and  Princes ,  iubje&s  dare  not  com- 
plaine,  check,  controllor  reprove  them,  lob  54. 1 8.  //  it  fit  to 
fay  to  a  King  thou  art  wicked  t  or  ta  Prince s  ye  are  ungodly! 

Subjecls  neither  can  nor  ought  to  correct  their  Princes.  Menutfh" 

5 .  Where  they  be  wanting,  Kings  and  great  men  are  wu>  re, 
ked,  and  all  things  go  to  wracke  andruinein  a  countreyand 
common-wealrh,  Truv.iui  1,14.  *By  thebleffmg  of  the  up- 
right the  city  U  exalted,  bat  it  U  overthrown  by  the  mouth  of 
the  wicked,  where  no  com  fell  u  the  people  fall.  29*4.  The  King 

by  judgement  e/Iablifheth  the  laud,  but  be  that  receiwtb  gifts 
uverthroweth  it.  31.  $.  Left  they  dri^and forget  the  law,  and 
pervert  judgement  of  any  of the  ajfliftcd.Scjlef  10,  i6„#W# 

tht* 


238  The  ChriJIUn  Conflict.  Chap.  12, 

thee  0  land  when  thy  King  U  a  c hil d, and  thy  Princes  eat  in  the 
morning.    Lewd  Governours  are  like  leaking  (hips  which 
drowneall. 
AhuiilL  ^9  Thcfe  and  fuch  like  gifts  and  gracious  endowments 

do  ineftimably  enrich  and  ennoble  tl  e  parties  themfelves  with 
God  and  man:  co^rlrme  and  eltablifh  their  Thrones  and  Scep- 
ters, and  make  their  fubje&s  unfpeakably  gladfome  and  grate* 
full.   For, 

1 .  A  King  that  ftteth  in  the  throne  of  judgement  chafe  th  a- 
way  Will  with  hta  eye,  Tro  .208. 

2.  The  throne  i*t fahlifhed by  right  eoufnefe,  Pro.  16.TI. 
Yea  rigbteoufncffe  exalteth  a  nation,  14.  34.  Take  away  the 
wicked  from  before  the  King,  and  hi*  Throne  fhallbe  efahlifhed 
in  right eotifneffe-  Prov.i^  5 .  The  King  by  judgement  eftabhfb- 
eth  the  landy  Pro.79.14. 

3.  To  doe  jnflicc  and  judgement  U  more  acceptable  to  the 
Lord  than  facrifice,  Proverbs  21.  3.  In  thefe  things,  name- 
ly ,  in  exersifing  loving  kindneffe ,  judgement  and  righte- 
cufneffe  in  the  earth ,  1  delight ,  frith  the  Lord,  leremie 
p.  24. 

4.  Thofe  bring  Shelter,  fuccour  and  fafety  to  fub/ec*ts, 
I  fa  32.  1 6, 17,  1  8.  Then  judgement  {hall  dwell  in  the  wil- 
derneffe ,  and  right eoufist ffe  remaine  in  the  fruit  full  field  y 
and  the  work*  of  rigbteoufncffe  /ball be  peace,  and  the  effetl  of 
right  eoufneffe  quietneffe  and  ajfurancc  for  ever;  and  my  peo- 
ple flail  dwell  in  a  peaceable  habitation ,  in  fure  dwellings  , 
and  in  quiet  re  fling  p laces,  Jeremy  7.  j,  7.  22.  l$  ,  1 6. 
Did  not  thy  Father  eat  and  drinke ,  and  do  judgement  and 
jnflice,  and  then  it  was  well  with  him?  Hee  judged  the 
caufe  of  the  poore  and  needy ,  and  then  it  was  well  with 
him ,  &C. 

$.  A  divine  fentence  U  in  the  lips  of  the  King$  he  (ball  not 
tranfgreffe  in  \udgement,  Prov.l  6. 1  o. 

6.  i/£  King  that  ftteth  in  the  throne  of  judgement  fiat' 
tereth  away  all evills  with  his  eyes,  Proz*erbs  ao.  8.  tA 
wife  King  fcatteretb  thi  wicked,  and  bringetb  the  wheele 
ever  item,  l7>rot  2  0 ;  2  5. 

7.  Mercy 


Si 


^c  t.z.  7  m  curtjttdnctnpttt.  239 

7.  KMercy  and  truth  pre ferve  the  King,  and  hU  Throne  is 
upholden  by  mercy,  Pro,  20. 2  8. 

8.  Where  thef-  gifts  and  graces  are,  there  is  health, 
ftrength,  fafety,  delight,  and  the  bleffing  of  goodneflc,  Prov. 

p.  And  fo  they  are  a  meanes  like  wife  to  prop  up  and 
preferve  the  common-wealth  :  For,  'By  a  man  of  under- 
ft an ding  and  \*ot*lrdge  the  flate  of  the  land  p.  all  bee  pro* 
longed,  Proverbs  28.  2.  Whereas,  The  Prince  that  roan' 
tetb  under 'Handing is  a  great  oppreffour,  Proverbs  28.16. 

10.  From  thefe  do  flow  the  conftant  and  comfortable  con- 
tinuance of  a  country,  the  majefty  and  maintenance  of  a  king- 
dome,  Pro.* 8  2.29.4. 

11.  By  meanes  of  thefe  Princes  and  Potentates  prolong 
their  dayes,  Pro>i$.i  6.  procure  health,  Pro.  24. 6.  and  pros- 
perity,/*r.  a  2.  15, 16. 

12.  Subjects  live  joyfully  (as  we  do  this  day)  re/oycing 
when  the  righteous  are  in  authority,  Pro.  J  p.  2.  In  peace,pie- 
ty,and  boneftv,  1  TVw.2.1,2. 

5.  Diverfe  and  dreadfull  are  the  effects  and  confequents  of  ^  **&&> 
evili  and  unjuft  government. 

I.  In  regard  of  the  Governours.    For, 

1 .  They  will  keep  cvillfervants,  Pr 0.19 .12. 

2.  They  will  tranfgrefle  for  a  tritie,  Pr^i8.2 1 . 

3»  They  will  pervert  judgement,  *Pro.  1 7.23.  3 1 .  j , 

4.  They  oppreffe  the  poore,  7V#.28.ij,i6. 

5.  They  are  in  danger  of  curfing,Pr*.24. 24. 

6.  They  will  be  contemned,  Pro.i  8.3. 

2.  In  regard  of  the  people  or  fubjeds.    For, 

1 .  They  (hall figh  and  mourne, T*r 0.29,2. 

2.  They  fhall  fearc  and  flie,  Pro. 28.28. 

3.  They  will  hate  and  curie,  Pr0.24.24.X~        .r    ,. 

4.  They  will  defpifeandcontemncP^V^  ™CrabIX 

3.  In  regard  of  the  countrcy. 

1 .  It  (hall  be  wofull,  EccLxo.  1 6m 
3.  It  {ball  be  deftroyed3  PrQ.224, 

3.1? 


24  °  The  chrsfikn  Cwjiici*         Cm  a  p  .  1 2 

5.  It ft>allheconfumed,/*r.2i.i 2.  Anmf.6ty. 
4*  It fhall be defolatc,  CMic*  %$>  lo,  11.  Shn  forjom 

{*k*'fi*!Mepkw9d,  &c. 

4.  Such  as  the  Princes  and  principal!  men  arc,  fuch  will  the 
people  tbcmfelves  be,  either  in  truth,  or  in  femblance  and 
^hew.lFnotinpraclice,yetinprofefTion.  For  as  all  inferiom 
bodies  are  ruled  by  the-Moone,  all  the  Starres  are  lightened  01 
darkened  by  theSun;  all  celeftiall  bodies  caried  as  the  firft  mo- 
ver, fo  fubjefts  generally  as  their  Princes.  As  the  rivers  taft  of 
their  fountaines  or  fprings,  fo  people  of  their  Princes  proper- 
ties.  As  members  are  ruled  by  their  head, .  fo  people  by  their 

Scilicet  &       Princes.  As  children  by  their  parents,  as  fervants  by  their  ma- 

-vulguA  manant  fters,  fofubje&s  by  their  Soveraignes.  Such  as  is  the  Prince, 

crovfo  Ttgt*.  foch  will  the  people  be,  is*n  ancient  laying. 

•Tales  fblentef-       *  Citizens  are  wont  to  be  fneb  in  the  commonwealth,  as  art 

fe  in  Republic*   t^ir  princes y  faith  "Plato. 

cives,  quale:  b  Minfor  the  moil  part  do  nfuallj  loohe  upon  the  cenverfati* 

fmtprincipes      en  9f  ,£„>  ?riw^  faith  Hervdia*. 

^kr!tluruni        gThe^holeworld  is  di^ofed  tothe  example  of King,,  faith 

homines  vitam   C/aud$apm    It  is' therfore  more  than  needful  1,  of  extraordinary 

principu  fame-  waight  and  moment,  andofurgentneceffity,thatwefliouId 

ri.  Herodian.    pray  for  Kings  and  all  in  authority  over  us. 

«  Regu  ad  ex-         i ,  Not  oneiy  if  they  were  vile  and  wicked,  G^.30.7,1 7. 

iTpZni'Z-    47-7-  ^^.8.30.   iS*m.l6.l.D**.6.ii.  lTim.2.1,2. 

f?k? Claudfan.  *•  ^ut  a^° tnat  we  fo°uld  powre  out  our  hearts  and  foules 
unto  the  Lord,  that  we  flhould  beconftant,  continuall  and  im- 
portunate petitioners  attbc  throne  of  grace  for  our  godly  kings 
andgovernours,/p/Ii.i7. 1  Kin.i.^.PfaLioa. 71.1,1 5.  and 
that  fervently,  inftantly  with  zeal  and  earneftnes,  for  even  the 
ftrongeft,  thewifeft,  wealthieft  and  raoft  godly  Princes  and 
Rulers  have  need  of  their  peoples  prayers  for  the  fafety  of 
their  perfons,  foules  and  bodies,as  alio  for  the  good  fuccede  of 
their  goyernment,P/4/.72.i,i5.  11 8.2?; 

What  and  if  therefore  not  onely  diver  fe  deboift  and  licen- 
tious, riotous  and  tofle-pot  fvvinifh  drunkards  who  oft  times 
drinke  their  wit  out  of  their  heads,their  health  out  of  their  bo- 
die^and  God  out  of  their  foules,  bad  rather  drinke  day  after 

day 


S  e  cr.il  The  Chriflkn  ConfliB.  M* 

day,and  night  after  night  a  whole  moneth  together  the  Kings 
MajeftiesheaJthjthan  pray  in  fervency  and  privacy  one  hcure 
for  the  fame :  But  alfo  many  more  moderate  men  deem  it  true 
devotion  to  drinke  hourely  and  openly  beyond  excefle  for  the 
Kings  health  and  welfare,  and  a  part  of  precifenelTe  to  make 
a  conference  of  praying  conftantly  and  privately  for  the  fame, 
and  therefore  they  for  their  parts  make  drinking  of  healths  a 
principall  part  of  their  devotion  and  piety  towards  higher 
Powers,  and  to  go  in  lieu  of  their  prayers  in  private  for  them, 
thinking  they  have  manifefted  more  really  and  truly  their 
love,  piety,  fervice  and  duty  unto  them*  and  done  them  more 
and  reall  good  honour  and  fervice  in  caroufing  and  quaffing  of 
their  healths,  than  if  they  had  prayed  for  them :  As  if  great 
men  had  more  need  of  healthings  than  of  prayers,  or  as  if 
healths  were  thebeft  prayers  they  could  put  up  for  them,  or 
the  beft  and  moft  acceptable  facrifices  they  could  offer  up  to 
God  in  their  behalfe.  When  as  in  truth  (although  many  vilifie 
and  upbraid,  deforme  and  deride,  fcorne  and  fcoffe  at,  difpa* 
rageand  difgrace  all  fuch  who  will  not  roareand  revell,quaffe 
and  caroule,  play  the  good  fellowes,  in  the  worlds  language^ 
and  health  it,  they  being  reformed  and  reclaimed  from  their 
drunken  courfes  and  company ,  taunting  and  taxing  them  of 
unmannerly  unfociablenefle,  fingular  ftoicifme  and  furlincfle, 
difdainfull  and  dilcontented  diicour telle  and  degeneroufneffe, 
proud  and  pragmaticall  peevifhnciTe,  rufticall  rudenefle,  coy 
and  uncomplementall  clownimnefle,  humourous  and  fcrupu. 
lous  perverfnefle,  of  factious  indifcreet  over-fcrupulouspre- 
ciieneffejthcfeheathenifti  healths  are  but  the  panders,  bawd« 
and  attendants  to  intemperance,  excefle  and  drunkennefle. 
Thefe  were  a  part  of  the  Divels  homage,  facriflce  and  fervice 
at  the  firlt,  and  had  him  for  their  Authour,as  faith  S.  Auguftine 
andS.^yK. 

/  intreat  you  (faith  S.  Augusline)  and  adjure  jou  by  the  4ugje  Tempo- 
dreadfull  day  of  judgement ,  that  you  would  bamfh  when  you  re  Swn' **■** 
feafl  together  that  filthy  cuflome  of  drinking ,  by  which  in  *\ 
large  weafure  without  measure  three  by  three  witting  or  un- 
willing are  wont  to  drinke,  as  being  the  foyfon  of ths'DiveUi 

R  for 


%+z  TheChriftianConfliSl.         Chap.  12. 

for  that  unhappy  cstflome  doth  yet  remaine  as  a  relique  of 

Pagans  •  and  whofoever  [bat  pratlife  thi*  at  hu  owrn  or  other 

mens  feaftr,  let  him  not  doubt  bat  he  hath  facrifeed  to  the 

DiveS.     S.  Bafil  alfo  in  bis  Sermon  againft  furfeiring  and 

drunkennefl^flhe  wing  the  drunken  healths  and  rounds  which 

were  in  ufe  among  the  pot-companions  of*  his  times,  n^t 

mucb  differing  from  ours  ,  faith  a  little  befbrc  :  They  have 

the  Dived   the  ant  hour  of  that  law ,   and  finne  the  reward 

of  the  viftory.  Thefe  are  condemned,  and  long  fince  cryed 

downe  by  the  ancient  Fathers  and  others,  isfugnftine  ^  Hafil, 

jlmbr6fc%  and  others.    S.  Ambrofey  the  corrupt,  curled,  and 

common  cuftome  of  fwaggering  Bdials  in  their  hellimhu- 

Amb  cat*  17  de  mours#     Li*  **  dr**kf  t0  ^  hetlth  of  the  Emperonr%  fay 

Helta  & J*ftm  *^eJ »   **^  vhofoever  pledge  th  not  his  healthy  let  him  bee 

1119,  guilty  of  devotion.  A  fantafieofpiow  devotion.  Let  u*  drinkf 

for  the  health  of  the  armies t  the prowejfe  of  the  E attestor  the 

health  of  children^  &c. 

Thefe  are  fuch  an  indignity  to  good  and  holy  men  ^ 
that  tliey  defire  not  to  have  others  drinke  or  pledge  their 
Ju2.Sem.13*  laealths.  For ,( as  Saint  t^/ugttslme  faith  )  None  can  offer 
4t  Tempore.  4  greater  indignity  to  the  holy  Angels  and  holy  meny  than 
they  voho  by  drinking  in  thetr  names  doe  aifay  to  kj&  their 
foules.  For,  in  fo  doing,  they  do  make  fuch  the  patrons* 
caufes ,  and  occafions  of  their  drunkennefTe  and  riot.  Yea, 
their  healths  and  names  are  made  a  common  prologue  and 
paflage,  an  ordinary  fhoe-horne  and  uiuall  inlet  onto,  and  a 
frequent  plea  and  patronage  to  beare  out ,  and  a  not  unnfuall 
apologie  to  extenuate,  if  not  excufe  the  excefle,  intemperance 
and  drunkennefTe  of  roaring  ruffians,  andofloofe  andbeaftly 
drunkards. 

Yet  (thefe  being  fupreame  and  fbveraigne  fupporters in 
this  our  warfare  to  ftablifh  and  fuftaine  the  kingdotne  of 
the  Lord  Iefus,  the  womans  feed,  and  to  fupplant  and  fub~ 
vert  the  Serpents  fide  or  Satans  kingdome  )  let  us  like  loyal  Jr 
loving,  religious  and  obedient  fubjecls,  drinke  forourowne 
health,  and  never  furceafe  to  follicit,  but  with  all  feduliry 
and  diligence  petition  at  the  throne  of  grace,  and  heartily 

pray 


S  b  c  t  .2  i  The  Chriflian  CenfliS. '  24  3 

pray  for  his  Majefties  health  and  happy  raigne  \  and  for  all 
that  are\in  authority ,  that  they  may  not  bee  weaker  or 
W'Orfe  than  in  former  tilnes  and  ages,  that  they  may  not 
be  wanton  and  wilful] ,  fcctire  and  earelefle ,  but  valiant 
and  warlike  Tilling  witbflrength,  vertuous  and  wifef  ru- 
ling by  reafon  and  righteoufneflc.  Tray  therefore  and  lay, 
give  the  King  thy  judgement  O  Lord,  and  thy  righteonf- 
ntffe  to  the  Kings  fonne  y  &c.  Pfaltne  72.  2.  And  for  ad  that 
are  in  Authority ^tkat  under  them  nemay  (as  indeed  we  do) 
i'*da  peaceable  life  in  all  gedlinefe  and  bonesly,  I  Tim, 2.2 , 
Thefe  who  are  in  authority  beingof  great  ufc,  and  in  place  to 
do  mod  good. 

2.  Pray  we  for  Paftours  and  Preachers,  the  Meflengers  of 
God  and  Minifters  of  his  Word, 

I.  Before  their  ordination ,  powre  out  our  petitions 
before  the  Lord  to  fend  faithfall  labourers,  not  litherand 
licentious  loyterers  into  his  vineyard,  CMatth.g.i 3.  Hence 
was  it  that  the  Church  ordained  Ember"VVeekes  immediately 
before  the  times  cf  ordination,  that  people  Should  faftand 
pray  for  able  and  approved,  pious  and  painefull,good  and  gra- 
cious guides  to  be  let  cvct  the  Church  of  Chrift  which  he 
bath  fo  dearely  bought. 

a.  At  the  ordination  and  when  tbey  are  admitted  we  are 
to  pray  :  Thus  the  Apoftles  Paul  and  Harnabas  werefepara- 
ted  for  this  waighty  work  by  fafting,  prayer,  and  laying  on  of 
hands,  Aflsi^.^. 

3.  After  their  ordaining  alfowe  ought  to  pray  for  them, 
Ephef.6.  ?p.  Tray  for  me.  Col,  4.3.  Wit hall  paying  for  «/. 
I  Th*fc.t$.  Bret hren  pray  for  tv.  2  Thef.^.j.  Brethren  pray 
for  us >  that  we  may  be  fitted  and  furnifhed  with  all  abilities, 
gifts  and  gracious  endowments  need  full  for  our  fo  excellent, 
eminent  and  difficult  calling  :  for  we  watch  for  mensfoules, 
Htb.  1 3  1 7.  And  who  is  fufficient  for  thefe  things,  2  Cor.z.\6. 
Asalfo  with  fidelity  and  painefalnefle  in  the  ufc  and  imploy- 
mentofthefame. 

Pray  for  us,  that  our  greateft  defires  may  be  (tore  of  fpiri- 
tuall  gifts,  1  fir*  1 4.1 ,  to  do  good  in  profiting  the  people,  fa- 
it 2  ving 


24*  rhe chriftUn  Conflict.       Ch a p " . ill 

ving  our  own  (bules  and  thofe  who  heare  us,  i  Timofh.  4. 1 6. 
Pray  for  us,  that  we  mayefteeme  it  our  grcatetrdignity  to 
doferviceto  the  Church  and  people  of  God,  1  Corinth.  14.3. 
Eph.^  1  i,i  a. 

Pray  for  us,  that  we  may  be  aflfured  our  beft  fcrvice  we  can 
do  to  our  people  is  to  preach  the  Word  aright,  admonifli,  re- 
prove, exhort  and  comfort  them:  to  pray  for  them,toadmi-  I 
nifter  the  Sacraments,  tocatechife,  to  conferre  with  them,  to 
give  them  good  example:  and  therefore  that  we  may  ftirrc 
up  our  felves  to  be  mod  pain^ull,patient,con(lant  and  chearfiill 
in  theie  pious  and  principal  performances,  1  Cor.  15.10. 

Pray  for  us,  our  calling  being  very  difficult  in  regard  of  our 
waighty  worke ;  which  is  to  quicken  fuch  as  are  dead  in 
finne ,  to  (Irengthen  the  wcake  ,  encourage  the  feeble  and 
faint-hearted ,  to  comfort  thofe  that  are  troubled  in  confei- 
ence,  to  ftand  againft  all  adverfe  power.  And  we  being  men 
fubjeel  to  like  paflions  that  other  are,  A&s  14.15.  And  we 
having  no  ability  nor  aptneffe  to  performe  our  minifteriall  fun- 
6tJon,except  it  be  given  us,  2  Cor.  3 . 5  y6. 

Pray  for  us,  that  we  may  be  apt  to  teach,  r  Tim.^.t,  being 
fiirnifhed  with  matter  worthy  to  be  uttered,  and  with  a  facul- 
ty and  facility  well  to  utter  the  fame. 

Pray  for  us,  that  fuch  gifts  and  graces  as  God  hath  beftowed 
on  us  may  be  bettered,  continued,  and  fucceffefull. 

For  if  we  be  faithfull  in  our  furjdions>we  muft  be fure  moffi 

of  all  to  be  oppofed  by  Satan  and  his  complices,  Z4C.3A  .Lft{* 

2 2.3 1 .  Satan  well  knowing  that  the  way  to  fcatter  the  fheep 

is  to  imite'the  fhepheard,  Z*ch.  1 3.7.  that  the  way  to  rout  the 

army  is  todifcomfltandput  to  flight  the  chariots  and  horfc- 

men.  And  our  failings  are  fo dangerous,  that  thofe  amongft  us 

that  periftvperifh  not  alone,* /*<?/.  1 . 1 ,2  .many  being  drawn  in. 

to  perdition  with  Minifters  who  are  corrupt  in  life  or  doctrine 

3.  Pray  we  for  our  children,  Gen.g. 27. 27.17,2  8.48.15,16*. 

2  Sa.  1 2. 1 6. 1  Chro.ig.  \p.  Give  ttnto  Salomon  mjfon  aperfeft 

heart.  Uh  1  .^Fobfdnfitfied  hU  chiUreficc.  Would  (^ornelU  vi- 

fit  y  temples  for  her  fonsTf£mw&C*i^,&ofrer  Sacrifices  to 

the  gods*  for  fuch  was  the  miferable  blindnes  of  thofe  profane 

people 


people  bereft  of  the  comfortable  knowld^c  of  the  wayesof 
life,and  groping  grofiy  in  tbofe  dangerous  and  deceitftill  pathg 
©f  paganiime)  they  being  in  the  wars  of  Africk.  For  thus  (he 
faith  in  an  epktle  {he  wrote  to  them.  Tour  father  bequeathed 
jou  nothing  but  weapons,  and  ftemme  you  (ball  inherit  nothing 
but  hok/yfor  I  had  rather  leave  my  children  good  doHrine  ivhtr- 
bj  they  may  live{ mark  this  we  who  are  Chriftian  parents)*ta» 
evil  riches  tvherby  they  may  per t  ft,  I do  not  ceafe  to  viftt  the  tern- 
pies  far  jour  o*n  healthy  nor  yet  tt  offer  faenfice  to  the  gods  for 
your  honour.  If therfbre(I  fay )C or ue/ia  apoore  feducedHea- 
thenjed  by  the  dark  and  duskifh  light  of  nature  only,  would 
conftantly  and  carefully  vifit  the  temples  for  the  health  &  bap- 
pincffeofherfons,\\culd  continually  and  incefiantly  facrifice 
to  the  gods  for  her  childrens  honour,when  alas  all  her  perfor- 
mances were  not  only  frivolous  and  fruitleiTe,but  alfo  vile  and 
vicious:  fer  the  temples  which  Ihe  vifited  were  the  temples  of 
the  Divell,  and  thofe  facrifices  which  (he  offered  were  like- 
wife  tothe  Divcll.  How  much  more  fhould  we  ftirre  upour 
felves  to  lollicJt  the  Lord  of  hods  for  our  children  by  fervenr, 
frequent  ,and  faitbfull  petitions,they  incountring  witb3and  be- 
ing environed  about  with  fuch  like  fierce  and  fraudulent  foes, 
themfdves  being  fo  fraile  and  flexible,and  prayer  to  our  good 
and  gracious  God  being  16  powerfull  and  prevailing. 

1 .  You  therefore  who  rciol  ve  to  enter  into  the  honourable 
eftatc  of  manage,  let  y  our  firft  entrance  intothefame  be  fea- 
foned  and  fanclified  by  prayer  to  God.    For, 

1 .  This  is  jui  t  and  equall  in  regard  of  the  precept,not  only 
in  generall,CV.$  .1 7.  to  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Iefus, 
&c.but  alfo  in  fpecial, manage  being  one  of  thofe  things  which 
are  fandified  and  feafoned  hereby,  1  Tiw.4.5 .  But  alfo  in  re- 
gard of  the  pious  pradiies  of  Abrahams  religious  fervant,^*. 
34.  ii.2W^?£j  friends,  V  60.  Ifaac,C}**.2$  2,3.  the  elders 
ot  Ephrata*#*f/j  ^.  1 ? ,1  z  and  ofGod  himfelf  who  bkfled  A- 
dam  and  Eve  when  he  joyned  them  together  in  this  commu- 
nion, (?<?*.  1.  a  8. 

2.  This  is  of  important  and  urgent  neceiTity,a!l  things  be- 
ing vaine  without  Gods  blcfli^P/rf/.i  27.  and  children  being 
hi*  free  gift.  11  3  3.  Thi* 


%%6  The  chriftUn  ConfliSl.       Ch  a  p  .  1 2 . 

3 .  This  foeingfrery  forcible  &  availing,  Pf.  f  28.  A  good  be- 
ginning makes  way  for  a  good  ending.If  the  firfHri/its  are  holy ! 
fo  are  the  branches.  A  love  principium ,  could  the  Heathen  fay.  | 

4.  Grace  and  nature  requiring  this,  marriages  are  mon- 
ftrous ,  and  they  are  headleffe  weddings  where  prayer  is 
wanting. 

3.  Bearing  of  children  being  a  bleiSngof  God,  it  is  to  be 
beggedat  his  hands  in  prayer,fl*f6  4.51.  like  /fa^/and  Leak*  1 
namely  in  readineflfe  to  yeeld  to  their  husbands  in  all  good 
things,  in  rruirfulnefle  and  bearing  of  children  to  God,  Gen.  1 . 
28.  &  1 5>g.&  24.60.7^/.! 27.3, 5.  &  128.3.2^6.8.1;. 

1.  Thefe  being  as  grapes  to  vines,gra(Te  to  meadowes,flow- 
ers  to  a  gardcn,corne  to  fields  ,and  fifties  to  the  fea. 

2.  Thefe  being  the  building  of  a  mans  houfe ,  (jen.  1 6,  u 
'Deut.is.p.Rtitbq.ii.  zSam.j.i  i,  1 2,27.  and  therefore  the 

p  r-ua  Hebre wes  derive  Ben  of  Banah  to  build.  Loving  children  are 
the  building  of  their  parents. 
y1  Po°ff £JJ)       3 .  Thefe  being  the  prime  poffeffion  of  parents,their  chiefe 
heritage  and  inheritance,  Gev.q.  1. 1  have  poffetfed  a  man  of 
the  Lord .  TfaL  1 2  7 . 5 .  An  inheritance. 

4.  Thefe  being  an  ornament  to  their  parents,  being 

1.  As  arrowes  keen  and  fharpe  in  the  hands  of  a  mighty 
man  :  And  therefore  as  a  quiver  of  arrowes  did  adorne  and 
accommodate  an  archer  and  a  man  of  warre,  lb  do  children 
their  parents,  PfaL  iij. 

2.  As  olive  plants ,  fome  higher  fome  lower,  fomelefler 
fome  bigger,fome  younger  fomeelder,deck  and  beautifie  a  fe- 
minary,  fo  children  are  a  glorious  ornament  to  thofe  families 
from  whence  they  are  as  fromnurferies  beftowed  into  the 
world, 

3 .  As  carved  and  poliflied  (tones  and  pillars  of  the  Temple,1 
which  were  not  onely  profitable  to  uphold  the  whole  fabrick, 
but  being  finely  hewen,  curioufly  and  cunningly  wrought,  did 

.  decke,  adorne,  and  beautifie  the  materiall  Temple ,  fo  chil- 
dren well  brought  up  and  educated,  did  build  up  and  polifti 
the  fpirituall  Church  of  God  :  and  as  it  is  a  credit  to  a  gentle- 
man to  have  a  company  of  tall  fellow es  to  wak  on  hin^fb  it  is 


Sect.;*;  The  ChriflUn  CenfliSt.  247 

an  ornament  and  credit  to  a  man  to  have  a  company  of  well- 
curnir'd  children. 

5.  Thefe  being  as  fruit  to  trees,  therefore  called  the  fruit  of 
the  wombe,  Dent.  28.4.  Pfst.  28.  3.  &  1  32. 11.  Fruit  they 
are,  becaufe  they  are  derived  and  defcended  from  the  bodies 
of  parents,  as  fruit  fprings  from  a  tree.  They  are  alio  delight- 
full  to  parents  as  fruit  is  to  our  tad  and  mouth.  The  more  fruit- 
full  a  tree,  the  more  blefied  in  our  efkeme.  So  children  and 
childrens  children  are  a  great  blefTmg,P/4/.  1 28.5. 

6.  Thefe  being  fuch  favours  that  the  having  of  them  is  a 
blefling. 

1.  In  nature,  which  teacheth  all  creatures  tofeekthe  pro- 
creation of  their  kind,men  naturally  defiringthem  when  they 
arc  wantingjgreatly  arTe&ing  them  ifenjoyed,&  much  lamen- 
ting the  lofle  of  them,  thele  being  the  works  of  nature  in  us. 

2.  In  grace,  whether  they  are  good  or  bad  grace  teacheth 
us  to  efteeme  them  a  blefling, 

1 .  If  good  and  gracious,  for  then  not  onely  a  mans  name  is 
hereby  continued  upon  earth,  his  fubftance  remainetb  in  his 
^ame,  the  common- wealth  by  him  is  furnifhed  with  good 
members,  but  alfo  the  myfticall  body  of  Chrift  is  hereby  in- 
largcd  and  augmented. 

2.  Ifevill,  for  then  the  jofticeof  God  is  glorified  in  their 
dcftru&ion,  and  they  may  be  the  progenitours  of  pious  per- 
fbns.  This  nature  teacheth  net. 

Yea  thefe  are  fuch  ablefling,  that  the  want  of  them  was 
efteemed  formerly  a  curfe  and  a  reprocb,(?*».  3 0.2 $.&  2 ©.  1 8. 
t  S*m.i.6.l*dg.i i .3 8.£«t  1.15. Men  fbould not  murmure 
at,or  miflike  the  increale  of  children  as  a  burden,  for  thus  to  do 
is  an  evident  argument  of  a  diftruftfull  and  defperate  minde, 
2^r#*.4<43./yii47.^.^/^.6.id.&  16.31.  But  wanting  they 
are  to  beg  them  of  God  who  openeth  the  barren  wombe,Gtf «. 
J5.1.&25.21.&30.12.  iS4m\l.lQ.L*fa.l$. 

5.  All  married  folk  chiefly  and  principally  ought  to  defire 
•childreniocthe  increafe  of  Gods  Church  apd  Kingdome^Pray 
they  muft  that  they  may  bring  forth  and  triune  up  many  chil- 
dren to  the  Lord,  1  Sam.u11.Pf.12S. 3,6c  144,12, one pearlc 

R  4  *f 


148  TheChrifthnCwflid*         Crap. 12. 

is  more  worth  and  farre  better  then  many  pebbles.Orie  Iambe 
than  many  wolves,  one  Ifaac  then  .many  Ifimaels,  one  lacob 
then  many  Efaus. 

Defire  we  children  therefore  not  onely  to  prelervc  and 
propagate  our  name  and  memory  on  earth  which  finners  may 
doe,  </«*.  11.4.  2  ^aw.  1 8.18.  Matt h, 5  46.  but  to  build 
the  houfe  of  I(rael,toamplifie  and  enlarge  the  Church  ofGod 

1 .  And  therefore  men  and  women  fhould  bee  carcfull 
confeionably  to  marry  in  the  Lord,  Gen.6  2,4.  Nehem,  1 3.24. 
1  Cor.  7, 1 4, 3 9.  The  prophanation  of  marriage  is  the  fbun- 
taine  of  pollution,  fin  ana  wicked neffe,  and  confequently  of 
fbameand  confufion  both  in  Church  and  Common-wealth,  in 
religion  and  polltcy .  And  one  fpeciall  prophanation  is  when 
choice  is  made  according  to  luft  rather  then  law,  reafon,  wif* 
dome,difcretion,Religion,  Gen  6.2. 

2.  They  (hould  ufe  fobriety  and  chaftity  in  marriage,  Hcb* 
I3.4.iriw.4.c. 

1.  They  fhouldtrainenp  and  teach  their  children  true  re- 
ligion timely,  Pr*.  2 1.6. 

4,  As  alfo  pray  without  ceafing  to  God  for  them.  This  wa* 
a  meanes  which  being  prefcribed  and  pra&ifedby  LMonic* 
Saint  tAuguflines  Mother,  freed  him  from  thofe  fbttifh  fe- 
ducements  and  horrible  herefies  of  the  Manichees  into  which 
'Auzuft.  eon-    he  was  deepely  plunged,  for  thus  he  writes.    For  almoft  nine 
fefMb.+cap.     y0ares  were  finifbed  in  which  I  was  tumbled  in  that  mudde  of 
that  bottomtleffepitt  and  in  the  dMr^neJfeoffalfe^kood9  when  2 
attempted  to  arife  1  was  more  danger  oufly  hurt.  'But  when  that 
chafte9piowyand  well advifedwiddoWyfuch  as  thou  dofi  loveJ*e- 
sngnow  doubt  lefe,  more  cheer ef nil  in  hope,  jet  not  more  un- 
fruitful! in  mournings   did  not  ceafe  at  all  times  of  her  pray- 
ers to  bewaile  to  thee  of  me,  her  prayers  came  before  thee,   and 
yet  tbou  didft  asyetfnffer  me  to  be  roRed  and  enwrapped  in  that 
darkneffc.    When  afterwards  as  he  faith,  his  Mother  intrea- 
tedacertaine  Bidioptovouchfafetotalkewithherfbn  to  re- 
fute his  erreurSj  to  (hew  him  the  cvillshee  had  learned,  and 
Chap.  1 2.         teach  hi  m  good ;  the  Biflhop  refufed,telling  her  I  was  yet  nn- 
teachable,becmifclwasasyetpuffedup  with  thenoyeltyof 


S  h  c  r\k .  The  chriflUn  Cenfllft*  2  4  $ 

theherefie,  and  had  difquietcd  many  unlearned  with  very 
many  doubts.  But  kt  him  alone  (faith  he)  and  continue 
praying  ro  God  for  him,  and  hehimfelfe  by  reading  will 
finde  what  that  error  js,  and  how  great  that  wickednefle  is— 
fre  not  retting  he  re  with  fatisfied,  bat  MI  urging  him  bf  in- 
creating  him  more  and  plentifully  weeping,  that  he  wrould  fee 
meeandreafon  with  me,  bee  hieing  forthwith  difpletftd  mth 
y*e urine  jfe.  Depart  from  me  (faith  he)  atfure  at  tint*  UveH  it 
cannot  be  th*t  nfenne  offneb  tetres  lheuldferi(b. 

What  and  if  many  blackmouthd  Beiiak  and  Bedlam  pa- 
rents, breath  and  belch  out  againft  their  children  in  rage  and 
fury,  yea  oft  times  with 

I .  Much  bitternefte  and  blafphemy  cruel!  curfings ;  Little 
confidering  that  fuchevill  fpeeches  are  the  badge  and  brand  of 
wicked  mtr\,Pf*l.i  0.7.  his  mouth  is  full  of  curfing,^.  who 
{hall  be  turned  into  hell,  P/4/.9.17. 

2. Little  confidering  that  as  they  love  curfing  fe  it  fhall  come 
unto  them,  and  as  they  delight  not  in  tJleflGng  fo  it  fhall  be  fat 
from  them,P/*/.  1 09.1 8. 

3.  Little  confidering  that  not  onely  curfing  of  God  him- 
felfe,!>&'#/.34.li,i5.  an  horrible  blafphemy.  Kin^s  God* 
deputies  on  earth,  Eccl.  1 0.20.  Rich  men,  Ibid.  Rulers, 
Iudges  and  Magiftrates, Exod.2i.2%.  ^5.23.4,5.  Parents, 
£xod.2i.ij.  Pre.2o.io.  The  deafe,£#w.  19.1+  E  jemies, 
Job  3 1 . 3  o.  and  of  all  others  in  particular :  But  that  all  manncy 
of  curfing  is  forbidden,  and  condemned  in  the  word  o*  God, 
Rom.\2.i^.f3Iefebnt  curfe  not,  /4w.3.p,io.C*r/^&c.lj!*/r 
things  ought  not  fo  to  be. 

4.  Little  confidering  that  fuch  hideous  and  hellifti  language 
manifeftly  declareth,  not  onely  their  barbarous  and  bloody 
curfed  cruelty  towards  their  o  wnc  children,  whom  they  have 
notonclypoyfoned  and  polluted  with  originall  corruption, 
butalfb  with  many  a&uall  tranfgreffions,  by  their  noyiome 
negligence  and  execrable  example.  Bur  alfo  their  owne  dia- 
bolicall  and  divellifii  difpofitio.i  and  condition,  their  filthy 
hearts  fuming  -up  fuch  infernall  fury  and  their  grace- 
Icfle  and  godleffe  fpeeches ,   fmelling  and  favouring  of 

the 


M*       .  ThechriftidnCwfliZt.         Cftyi?.i2« 

the  fire  and  brimftone  of  the  bottonaeleffe  pit. 

What  and  if  divers  careleffe  parents  latisfie  themieltres  as 
having  Efficiently  if  not  fuperabundantly  done  their  devour 
in  this  particular  towards  their  children,  if  they  now  and  then 
curforily  and  carelefly,  idly  and  inconflderately  give  them  a 
concife  formall  &  complementall  God  bleffe  thee"  Miftakc  me 
not  I  pray,  as  ifi  I  di fallowed  of children  asking  parents  blef- 
fing,or  of  parents  blefling  their  cbildren,cither  of  that  kinde  of 
bleffing  whereby  they  bellow  teraporall  and  tranfitory  fa- 
vours on  them,  like  Cdlefobletting  his  daughter,  IttAg.i.l  J. 
or  of  that  other  when  they  wifh  and  pray  for  good  things  to 
them,  fo  as  1fi*ac,l*cob,  Uby  and  others  blefled  their  children. 
It  is  the  thing  I  prefte  and  perfwade  unto.  Onely  I  defire  that 
men  would  not  make  that  a  matter  of  complement  which  is  of 
great  confequence  and  fliould  be  a  matter  of  confcience :  that 
they  would  not  (lubber  over  and  flight  duties  requiring  our 
moft  feleci  and  ferious  fedulity :  that  they  would  not  frivo- 
loufly  trifle  over  fuch  duties  for  forme  and  fafhion  fake, which 
crave  our  moft  inftant  and  intentive  fidelity,  frequency,  and 
fervency  and  our  exa&eft  indeavours:  that  they  would  not 
reachleflyreftfatisfyed  in  giving  now  and  then  a  God  bleflc 
thee  more  out  of  cuftome  then  confcience  to  them  for  whom 
they  ought  to  fupplicate  aud  follicite  without  ceafing  :  po wre 
out  their  moft  pious  and  patheticall  petitions  and  importune 
the  Lord  Iehovah  with  fervour  and  frequency.  For 

i .  Muft  we  pray  for  all  men,  i  Tim*  2. 1 .  how  much  more 
for  our  children  whom  we  have  infected  and  poyfoned,  di- 
ftained  anddcfiled  with  the  contagious  loathfome  leprofy  of 
fin,which  nothing  can  cure;  with  the  foule  and  filthy  abomi- 
nations which  nothing  can  wafli  away  fare  the  precious  blood 
of  that  immaculate  Lambe  Iefus  Chrift. 
I  2.  Muft  we  indeavour  to  doc  them  all  the  good  we  poflibly 
Iftay  and  can. 

Firft,  Not  ©nely  concerning  bodily  and  temporal!  blef- 
fings  and  benefits. 

Firft,by  feeding  and  fbftering,  protecting  and  preferving, 
doachiiig  and  comforting,  lodging  and  defending  them,  G>/k 

31. 


Sicr.i;  TheChrifiianC$nflm.  251 

ax. 7,^.   *Deui.r.ix.  1&M.1.23.  iK$Mgij.iil  lob^il 

13.  Pjk/.i*.?.  If*,66>l%,l$.  Cant.S.ic.  Ltik:ll.iiilz.& 
15.22.  Het.ll.2$. 

Secondly,  by  providing  aforehand  with  forcfeeing  provi- 
dent confideration. 

•  1 .  Meanes  of  maintenance,  ^8.25.5 .  1  7#w»5 .8.  and  thet- 
fore  ooght  to  teach  and  trame  them  up  in  Tome  honeft  art,  fci- 
ence,  trade  or  occupation  whereby  to  live  and  prcfit  the 
Church  or  Common- wealth,  1  Sam.i  7.3  -$.Z*ch.\  i^.Mat. 
4.21.  and  in  fuch  whereuntothey  are  futeft ,  being  mod  futa- 
ble  to  their  natural!  inclination  and  perfbnall  endowments^: 
appropriating  and  applying  the  beft  guifted  aa.the-moft  fele- 
cled  fervice,;£v<?<£i3.2.  i^w.i.n,  preferring  the  eldeft 
before  the  reft  in  regard  of  patrimony  or  inheritance,  except 
they  bee  riotous  wicked  and  ftubborne,  *Z>**f.2i.i$,i$, 
17.  2  Chron.  21.3,  Lakj  15.31.  Yet  not  fo  farre  forth  as 
to  bequeath  bountifully  to  them,  to  fupport  their  ftate,:  and 
maintaine  their  greatnefle  and  gentility^  and  leaving  to  the  reft 
little  or  nothing,  five  fbme  light  tide  as  Matter  or  Miftrifle 
to  live  withal  L' 

2.  Comfortable  commodious  and  convenient  marriages, 
gem  a  1 .21 .  &  24.3,4.  &  28. 1 .  &  34.4.^*  $8.6*.  Indg.!^. 
Ruth  3,  i .  yet  with  their  own  mutuall  content  and  agreement, 
C?<?».24.57,58.iv*#w.36.6. 

Secondly, But  alfo  yea  and  infinitely  much  more  concerning 
die  procuring,  pofleiTing,  and  preferviog  thofe  holy  and  hea- 
venly, facredand  fan&irying  fpirituall  foule-iaving  gifts-: 
Gleefull  and  gladfome  garnifhing  graces  ofGods  (pint. 

1.  By  teaching  them  true  religion  and  the  faving  facred 
knowledge  of  our  God,  Dfut.4.9.  &  6.7.  &  1 1 . 1 9-  Extd. 
10.2.  #12. 26,27.  G<f».i8.i9.  (^28.1,2,3.  ^48.3,4.  cp*. 
4P.I,2.  #•  50.24.  lChron%1%9,  2TJ/W.3.15. 

Firft,  This  being  a  matter  of  moment  and  importance,,  and 
©f  urgent  necejfity  in  regard  of  them,  for 

1.  They  are  borne  blind,  fob  3*6. 

2.  They  naturally  cannot  fee  thekingdomeofGod,  Pfitf. 
U$,  18.  Rcv.$%ij. 

3,  The* 


2  5 1  The  Ghrifltdn  Conflict.  C  h^a*  •  r  t . 

3-  They  cannot  perceive  the  things  t^at  be  of  God,  I  C&r. 

4.  They  may  be  compared  to  the  beafls  that  perifli,  lob  1 1 ,' 
l2./yi/.32.p.  ^49.20. 

Secondly,  This  being  a  meanes  much  to  honour,  advance, 
and  dignific  them. 

1 .  Knowledge  being  part  of  Gods  image,£V.  3.10. 

2.  And  a  chaine  or  ornament  about  their  necks,  7>r*.x.9. 

Thirdly,  And  wonderfull  commodious,  profitable  and  ad- 
-vantagious. 

1 .  This  giving  light  unto  their  cycst  Pfalme  1 9 . 8.  eM  1 9. 

2.  This  making  them  wifer  then  their  elders,  Pfal.  1 19. 

ICO. 

3.  This  preserving  them  from  errours  and  every  cvill  way, 
Prp.2.10,12,13. &  $.6.  &-6.21. 

4.  Tlfis  being  a  matter  of  rejoycing  unto  them,  Uremj 

5.  This  being  and  bringing  life  eternall,  M.17.3. 

6.  This  fo  farre  excelling  other  knowledge,  that  in  compa- 
rifon  thereof it  is  but  dung  and  drofle,P£*/.  3  S. 

And  therefore  although  many  if  not  themoft  parents  teach 
not,  or  if  at  all,  yei  teach  (lightly  andfloathfully  too  too  care- 
lefly  and  aid  negligently  their  children. 

1.  Either  in  regard  of  the  want  of  knowledge  and 
ignorance. of  true  religion  which  fwarmes  and  abounds  in 
them. 

2.  Or  in  regard  of  fond  and  falfe  perfwafions  touching  this 
duty  wherewith  they  are  portefled,  that  this  and  other  foulc- 
faving  duties  peculiarly  properly  and  oncly  doe  belong  to  the 
Minifter. 

3.  Either  in  regard  of  Minifters  negligence  and  ignorance 
in  not  incitating  and  exhorting  them  hereunto. 

4.  X)rbecau(eof  theirovvne  floathfiillneffe,negligence  or 
Idlenefle. 

Yet  let  us  all  beloved  brethren  teach  our  children,  and  that 

1  Timely 


* c  *•*£  The  chrifiUn  Ctnflift.  a  J>  3 

!  "1 .  That  being  timely  fcafoned  herewith  it  may 
not  depart  from  them,P™.ia.6. 
2.  That  mortality  may  not  prevent  them  &  us.1 

1  Timely<  3.  That  we  may  gaine  comfort  to  our  confei- 
ewces  upon  the  difcharge  of  our  duties. " 

That  delayes  may  not  damnifie  nor  endan- 
ger them. 

Gods  religion  can  abide  no  mixture,it  being 
pure  and  perfect. 
.  The  Arke  and  T)agon  cannot  (had  toge- 

2  Truly,  ,     ther. 
for  13.  God  and  W  cannot  be  worshipped  togc* 

I      ther  aright. 

J  4.  Chrift  and  rBcU*lhwz  no  agreement,!  Cor. 

1.  Leafttheybedalled,  dulled,  amazed  or 
confounded,  through  over-much,  over- 
x  Difcretelv^f    hard  or  over-long  inftru&ions. 

1  •    Lead  they  be  difcouraged  o,r  difmayed 
from  going  forward  through  difficulties 
difclofed  unto  them. 
4  Diligently,  for  their  wits  are  wandring  and  gadding,and 
their  memories  fkle  and  flippery. 

5.  And  the  nearer  our  end  approacheth,  the  more  let  us 
apply  our  felves  to  inftrufl  them  carefally,  Dent.^  1  .#•  3  2.e£ 
33.  lojh.ii  &  24.  cordially  and  continually.  Confidering 

1 .  The  great  and  unfpeakable  loffe  of  our  mifpent  time  pad 
and  gone,  1  ^.4  3. 

x.  The  invaluable  and  ineftimable  gaine  of  time  prefent,andr 
pretious  in  redeeming  the  fame  by  enriching  our  felves  [and 
©rhers,P/*/.po.i  1  C/rf/.6\i  o. 

3.  The  lamentable  lacke  of  time  to  come,  the  day  of  out 
life  being  worne  and  wafted,  and  the  night  of  our  death  come 
when  we  cannot  worke,  Pro  6.2.  lob.94. 

4.  The  eonftant  and  confcionable  care  that  /hould  bee 
in  us  to  continue  in  well-doing,  Matth.  34.  46,   Romanes 

5.  The 


254  TheChiJIlMnCpnflicl.  Chap.  12. 

5 .  The  privi'edges  and  profits  of  our  perfeverance  in  piety 
.and  pious  performances,£*i\i.  t  o . 

t>.  The  ioceffant  and  incredible  growth  in  grace  which 
Should  be,  yea  and  is  in  us  i  f  we  be  fuch  we  feeme  to  be :  as 
the  Saints  of  God  are  and  have  beene,  ?/*/.  92.  12.  Rev* 

2. 19. 

All  which  expreffcly  and  earneftly  incitate  and  exhort  us 
hereunto. 

Secondly,  By  counfcll  and  advifing,  exhortingand  perfwa- 
ding  them  to  good  things,  Gen.  19.  14.  &^.i.  Ruth  5.3,4. 
2Chrtn.i2.2.  Pro.%1  1,^,3.  and  earneftly  without  ceafing, 
calling  «pon  them  to  continue  and  proceed  in  the  true  fervice 
ofGod,  1  £fif£.2.2,3.  1  C^.28.9,10.  for  as  it  is  impoflihle 
to  keepe  -flcfli  well  favoured  without  feafoning,as  it  is  impolli- 
hie  for  fifh  to  live  without  water ;  as  it  is  irnpoflible  but  that 
the  rofe  fhould  wither  which  is  overgrown  of  thorncs.'So  it  is 
impofiible  that  children  which  with  many  vices  are  affaulted 
.and  not  fuccourcd,  bur  in  the  end  they  fhotsld  be  infamed  and 
to  the  dishonour  of  pa  rents  moft  wickedly  overcome,and  it  is 
impoftible  for  parents  to  have  any  comfort ofcheir children  in 
their  age,  unlefle  they  have  inftru&ed  them  in  vertuc  and  god- 
lineflfe  in  their  youth. 

%  Thirdly,  By  cor  reeling  them,  gen.  3  4.30.  Pre.  3.1 1.  &q.  3. 
&  19.18.  e^  ai.  15.  &  13.  i3>*4.  &  ap.  15, 17.  H't. 

Firft,  Although  many  parents  in  regard 

1.  Either  of  their  fond  and  fooliih  pity  ,prepoftcrous  love 
and  carnall  kindneffe. 

2.  Oroftheirblindnefle  and  blockifhneffe  in  looking  on 
their  childrens  faults, 

3.  Or  of  the  grudging  and  murmuring  of  their  children, 
Pro.T?  18. 

'4.  OrofthechildifhorcarcleflTefearc  of  hurting  or  mar- 
ring them. 

?.  Or  in  regard  of  trifling  and  frivolous  feare  of  ill  report 
in  being  accounted  and  reputed  cruell  and  tyrannkall 

t .  Either  rebuke  and  corred  not  at  all  like  Dtvid,  %  Kin^ 
\fi>  1  ^  Or 


S  e  c  T.l,  Tht  Chrtfihtn  Cttfbtf.  j  j  j 

2.  OrJightly  and  tenderly  when  the  fault  is  great  Iiie  J5"/j> 

3 .  Or  for  fome  faults  not  for  other* 

4.  If  not,  footh  them  up  in  their  finfull  waies,  jdblfying  and 
*  bearing  them  out  in  evil],or  praifing  and  commending  them 

for  the  fame* 

Secondly*  As  divers  on  the  other  hand, 

1.  Either  rebuke  and  corred  them  fharply  andfevcrely, 
when  the  fault  is  light  or  little. 

2.  Or  punifh,  or  rebuke  at  all  when  no  offence  is  done* 

3.  Or  rebuke  and  corred  for  weldoing. 

4.  Or  without  admonition  and  inftruftion. 
Yet  this  unplcafant and  unfavoury  duty 

1 .  Is  not  onely  confbnant  to  the  office  and  duty  of  parent^ 
for  what  fon  is  there  whom  the  father  chafteneth  not :  no 
chaftening  argues baftardy  but  fonfhip,H#£.i  2. 8. 

2.  Biitalfo  of  necefiary  importance,  and  inconccaveable 
vtility ;  Ifwith  moderation,  councell,  and  according  to  the 
quality  ofthe  offence,  Epbef.6  4.  C*l. 5.21. 

1.  For  foolifhnefle  is  bound  in  the  heart  of  a  child,  this  is  a 
raeanes  to  drive  itout,Pr*.2  2.i5. 

2.  Therefore  it  muft  not  be  withholdcn,  Pro.z$.  1 2. 

3.  This  being  am  canes  to  deliver  from  hell,  Pro.  2  3. 14, 

4.  This  giving  wifedomc  to  the  correded,  Pro.  29. 1  y . 

5.  And  reft  with  delight  to  the  father  coneding,  Provi 

6.  This  teaching  and  learning  them  obedience,  Heb.^.%. 

7.  W hereas  impunity  mcourageth  in  eviil,  baiteneth  and 
helpeth  forward  their  deftrudion  :  Publiquely  proclaimeth 
parents  hatred,  Tro.i  3.-4.  and  openly  doth  prognoftkatc 
jheir  fhame  focceeding,JV*.  1  9.  1 5 . 

8.  Andthisbeingfopleafingto  God,  whofe  we  are,  and 

whom  we  ferve ;  that  Saint  /iugmftine  arnrmeth,that  they  who  Auiufi.  ia 
cruet  fie  their  children*  yonthfull  *ffeEHo*s  offer  to  God  fetch  d  jibrf/herif, 
facrificeai  .d^rahamdidubo  offered  hUfen* 

Fourthly,  By  praying  for  them ;  for  ought  we  to  pray  for 
all  men,  how  much  more  for  our  children,  bone  of  oar  bone 

and. 


%%6  the  chriftUn  Cenflitf.        QiAV.itl 

and  flefh  of  our  flefh,  whom  wc  have  impoyfbned  p.ndpollu- 
ted  with  divers  defiling  diftainings  of  or  jginall  and  a&uall 
contagious  fins  and  tranfgreffions.  They  being  alio  to  encoun- 
ter, not  (bme  effeminate  and  womanish  forces,  nor  onely. 
fome  forcible  and  furious  foes  with  a  few  ftiort  skirmifting* 
excurfions.  But  to  enter  Pel  Mel  into  this  Ghriftian  warfare 
without  any  exception  or  truce.  In  which  they  muft  continu- 
ally conflict  with  and  confront  enemies  unparaleld  for  power, 
jpuifTance  and  pollicy,  for  cruelty,  craft  and  cunning  without 
lntermiition  and  interruption  untill  at  death  they  having  con-, 
quered  (hall  be  crowned. 

Fourthly,  Pray  we  not  onely  for  friends  and  favourites,kin- 
red  and  acquaintance,  neighbours  and  neare  all  yes,  whom 
God  hath  linked  to  us  bynaturall  and  civill  bonds  and  liga- 
ments. The  Lord  having  knit  and  conjoyned  us  by  thefe  out- 
Ward  ties  for  the  mutuall  good  one  of  another,  and  that  wee . 
might  be  helpefull  each  to  other.  But  alfo  for  Grangers,  with 
whom  we  have  no  acquaintance,  whom  wee  never  faw  or 
knew,  yea  and  for  enemies  who  hate  and  hurt,  curie  and  ca- 
lumniate, plague,  and  perfecute  us  even  unto  death.  Thus 
Abraham  pioufly  prayed  for  the  wicked  Sodomites,  QenA  8. 
1 3 .  Thas  to  doe  was  expreffely  enjoy ned  by  our  Soveraigne 
Lord  and  Saviour,  <Jt*ttb.%4^  and  pioufly  praclifed  by 
himfelfe  when  his  enemies  devifed  againft  and  did  him  all  the 
hurt  they  poffibly  could,  Luke  23.54.  P^ber  f°rg*v*.  them  for 
they  know  not  wh*t  they  doe.  Thus  doing,  we  fliall  pafle  on  in 
thefe  peerelefle  paths  prefcribedandpattern'dout  unto  us  by 
theholymenofGod,£ww.i2.i4.  Blefle  them  that  perfecute 
yau.  1  Cor. 4.1 2.  being  reviled  we  blefie.  v4El.j.6o.Lord 
lay  not  tbupn  to  their  charge,  was  the  fweet  fwan-like  fong 
and  patheticall  petition  for,  and  the  friend-like  favourable  and , 
fertile  farewell  of  Saint  Steven  unto  his  barbarous  andbloud- 
thirftyperfecutors,  when  they  in jurioufly,  in;uftly,  enraged- 
ly,  ana  inhumanely,  favagely,  and  fatanically  ftoned  him ; 
even  then  as  he  breathed  out  and  bequeathed  his  fpiritinto  the 
indiffoluble,  incorruptible,  incomprehenfible,  and  incredibly 
gladfomeemiracingsof  his  bleffed  Saviour  whom  hee  fiw 

(landing 


S  is  c  t  4  2  •  The  Chriflian  CwfliZi.  257 

{larding  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  So  for  them  that  benigne 

andbeneficiall  benedidion.   Thus  doing  wee  fhall  demon- 

ftrate  and  manifeftly  fhew  the  abiding  and  abounding  of  true 

Chriftian  love  in  our  hearts,  this  teaching  and  enabling  usibus 

to  overcome,  and  recompence,  and  repay  evill  with  good- 

nefie,  Horn.  1 2. 2 1 .   Thus  doing  we  may  be  a  meanes  of  their 

happy  converfion,  foofinlargingthe  kingdome  of  Chrift,  of 

weakening  the  power  and  leflening  the  number  of  Satans 

fide,  fo  of  our  enemies.    Saint  tAmhrofe  thinkesthat  Saint 

Stevens  prayer  was  a  meanes  of  Saint  Tauls  comfortable  and 

Chriftian  change :  faying,  therefore  was  Paul  lifted  up  fiom  Ambrofllb'.r. 

tie  earth,   becaufe  Steven  was  bowed  downe  on  earth  and  cap9.de  p*r, 

heard.  mti*> 

And  why  may  not  w£  more  probably  conjecture,  if  not 
conclude,  that  Chrifts  pitifull  and  patheticall  prayer  on  the 
Crofie  was  the  caufe  of  the  converfion  and  calling  of  many 
thoufand  le  wes  after  his  death  and  refuuedion. 

Fifthly,  Pray  for  all  men,t  Tim.2. 1 .  of  whateftate,dcgree, 
condition,  or  calling  foever,  be  they  friends  or  foes,  good  or 
bad,  pious  or  prophane ;  If  bad,  that  they  may  be  called  and 
converted  ;  If  good,t*hat  they  may  be  ftrengthened  and  eitabli- 
*  fhed  in  this  warfare.  CW.i  9  .fVe  musl  not  defpaire  oftho/e  that  ^u£uft.  in 
be  evill*  but  we  mufi  more  earnestly  fray  that  they  may  be  made  Pfal.  5  6. 
good,  for  alweies  the  number  of  Saints  is  enUrged  out  of  the 
number  of  the  wicked,  faith  Saint  tAuguftine. 

6,  Pray  extraordinarily,  with  more  then  ordinary  ardency 
ofaffection,  fo  as  to  cry  mightily  unto  God,  lonah  38.  more 
earneftly  then  at  other  times,  £«^.2  2.44.  with  (Irong  crying, 
Hebrews  5, 7.  fo  as  to  wreftle  with  God  in  prayer,  £*«?. 
32.24. 

1.  Atthe  point  of  (death.  Thus  that  pious  Proto- martyr 
Saint  Sitven>  AEls  7.  60.  cryed  wkh  a  loud  voice.  Thus  that 
unp?.raleld  Convert  the  penitent  thiefe  upon  the  Crofle,  Lu^e 
3$  42,  Andourblefled  Saviour,  'JMatth. 27.46.  cryed  with 
a  loud  voice ;  for  ufually  the  tempter  is  then  mod  trouble- 
fome,  and  truculent  with  his  laft  encounters,  and  moft  labori- 
ous onfets.  Then  are  we  our  iclves  moft  difabled  and  unfitted 

S  to 


%  5  3  The  Chrifiisn  ConfbSI.       Ch  a  p  .  r  2 . 

to  hold  nphcad,  and  hold  out  a^aind  thofe  direfalr,   and 

difinall  darts  of  the  deftroyer.  And  then  our  night  haflingly 

approacheth  when  we  cannot  workc  any  longer,  but  we  mu(t 

reft  from  our  labours,  Rev,  14.13.  when  we  cannot  fo  praife 

God,  P/.  6*.  5.  a*  to  benefit  the  Church  andchofenof  God  by 

our  prayers  ani  other  performances.  It  therefore  behoves  us; 

That  God  may  have  the  greater  honour,and  glory ;  our  felve9 

obtaine  more  folace,  ftrcngth,  and  fupport  againft  the  fierce 

and  formidable  farwellsofour  furious  foes:  and  that  we  may 

do  all  the  good  we  poffibly  may  or  can,  before  we  reft  from 

our  labours,  then  to  double  our  diligence  in  praying  unto  our 

good, and  gratiousGod,  with  vehement  and  violent  vigour, 

with  earned  and  unexpreflable  defires  of  the  heart. 

2,  In  the  time  of  dreadful  I  defertions.difafterousdiitrefles, 
direfull  difcomfitings,  or  any  more  then  ordinary  and  u (Half 
dolorous  occurrences.  The  fitted  time  for  prayer  being,  whea 
men  are  in  the  greateft  neceflkies,  agonies,  and  perplexities : 
And  amongft  all  other  dutiesof  a >fl ifted  and  affaulted  foules, 
this  of  prayer  being  the  moft  needfall.  This  is  the  firft,tbe  Jaft, 
the  beft  and  fureft  weapon  for  weakc  faints,  fouldiers,  and 
Chriftians;  and  the  moftfoveraigne  falve  for  all  fores,  and 
fcddings  of  body  and  foule.  Hence  was  it  that  thofe  pious  pil- 
grims accompanied  with  many  miseries  and  divers  dangerous 
difficulties  as  wearinefie,  wandring,  and  want  of  harbour  s 
hunger,thirft,  faintne(Te,trouble  and  di{trefFe,P/i/.i  07.4,5,6. 
Hence  was  it  thatthofe  many  perplexed  prifoners,  who  fate  in 
darkene(fe,and  in  the  fhadow  of  death  being  bound  in  afflidt- 
on,and  iron— whole  hearts  were  brought  downe  with  labour,, 
fothattbey  fell  downe  without  any  to  helpe  them,  v.\o  11,1a. 
Hence  was  it  that  (ick  folke,  whofe  foule  abhorred  all  manner 
of  meates,and  themfelves  drawing  ncareto  the  gates  of  death, 
v.  1 8.Hence  was  it  that  feafaring  men  whofe  foule  melted  in 
thembecaufeoftroable,they  reeling  to  and  fro,ltaggering  like 
a  drunken  man  beingattheir  wits  end,  v.26^7.  Gtyedunto 
the  Lord  in  their  troubles,*/. 6, 1 3,ip,a8;and  obtained  delive- 
rance.Hence  is  it  that  the  Lord  commands  us  te  call  upon  him 
in  the  time  ©f  trouble^Pfao,  1  j  Jama  5 .14  Mawj  sfjlitled let 

km 


Sect.*;  ihtChrlfHinConftH.  250 

him  pray.  And  the  people  of  God  have  ppwred  out  their 
fbules,and  meditations  before  the  Lord  Iehovah,7y*4/.  i  o  2 . 1 . 
The  time  being  then  fitted,  and  mod  feafonable  for  manta 
powrc  out  his  heart  in  prayer  when  he  is  in  the  greateft 
^riefes, pinching  prcfiures,and  oppreffing  receflities. 

1 .  For  then  he  is  mod  ferfible,  and  hath  the  greateft  feeling 
of  Gods  wrathfull  difpleafure,and  his  drcadfull  indignation. 

2.  For  then,  hee  therefore  will  be  more  fervent  with  the 
Xord  in  prayer  to  have  thofe  great  and  grievous  fadding  ai:d 
fupprefling  burdens  relcafed,  remooved,  or  fweetned,  and 
fandified, 

3. For  then  is  prayer  moft  necdfulljmcft  feafonable,  Pf.  5©. 
1$  .and  ufually  mod  fervent, 7^.7.5.2  S4m.12.16. 1  Sam.i .10 

4.  For  then  is  Gods  helpe  neareft  at  hand  to  his  people  in 
mercy,  to  minifter  unto  them  the  greateft  hope  and  aflurancc 
of  fafety  and  falvation,  when  they  are  in  the  moft  dreadfuH 
and  dangerous  diftrefles, /<?**£  2.D*».'$mand  6.Exod.\^.S(ler 
4«for  God  is  with  them, Pf. 2 $.4.  His  eyes  are  upon  them,He 
watcbeth  over  them,Healfokecpes.and  preferves  them. 

5. For  then  deliverances  are  of  a  fwceter  rellifh,more  accep- 
table and  amiable  to  the  faithful!  petitioners,who  after  the  fee- 
ling of  Gods  rod  and  ferula  upon  themfel  ves  and  others,  have 
faithfully  and  fervently  fled  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  not 
beenelike  to  wicked  and  graceleffe  men,  fenfeleiTe,  fullen,  or 
f wallowed  up  of  forrow,  loh  1 4.:  2. Pro.  23.3  J . 

Thirdly,  In  the  time  of  the  Church  her  mifery,  and  the 
Saints  calamities,  we  ought  to  lament  their  languifhing,  to  be- 
wailetheir  ruines,and  pray  continually,  confidently^nd  com- 
paffionately  for  their  folace  and  fafety* 

Say  not  beloved  brethren  the  time  is  not  yet  come,  It  is  not  0  >.  «     , 
therfore  feafonable  to  pray  for  their  deliverance  from  dolours     ^  •  r  • 
and  diftrefles.    It  being  every  day  fafe  and  feafonable  to  pray     *- 
for  the  advancement  of  Cbrift  his  Kingdome,  and  the  good     ^w* 
ofhisfubjecls. 

Say  not  beloved  brethren,  The  enemies  of  the  Church  are  0&jt8,zl 
mighty,  and  the  moft  of  men :  It  is  therefore  vaine  and  fruit- 
leftc  to  pray  for  them.  There  being  more  and  mightier  for  the  ^*/*» 

S  2  Church 


1 6  o  7  he  Chrifihn  Conjfitt.         Ch  a  p  .  1 1 . 

Church  and  cbofenofGod  then  againft  them,  namely  all  the 
blefled  Saints  and  holy  Angels,  yea  the  Lord  of  hofts  himfelfc, 
and  all  his  armies  which  are  innumerable. 

Say  not  beloved  brethren,  The  Church  cannot  be  infuch 
purity  as  in  prime  times,  neither  will  it  ever  be  free  from  mi- 
fery  in  this  world,  and  therefore  to  what  purpofe  fhould  wee 
pray  for  that  which  we  cannot  obtaine.  But  flee  to  the  confe- 
deration of  Gods  nature4and  properties,and  let  them  animate, 
and  encourage  us  conftantly  to  continue  our  prayers  for  his 
perplexed  people. 

i .  For  God  is  merciful),  pitirull,  and  tenderly  afrc&ed  to- 
wards his  Church.and  chofen,  even  as  a  father  towards  his  on- 
ly fon  :  as  a  mother  towards  her  fuckiag  infant,yea  and  infinite- 
ly much  more. 

a.  For  God  is  faithfull  and  true  in  all  his  promifes,  who  al- 
io hath  promifed  to  repaire  the  mines,  and  build  up  the  brea- 
ches ofhis  Church. 

3  For  God  is  the  onely  wife  God*  beft  knowing  when, 
and  what  to  doe. 

4.  For  God  is  jealous  ofhis  owne  glory  ,and  ofhis  Church, 
Which  is  his  Spoufe. 

Hetherfore  neither can,nor  will  forever  beare  the  wrongs 
and  injuries  done  unto  the  fame. 

.  But  rea(bn,and  refolve  thus,or  after  the  like  manner  as  fol- 
loweth : 

I .  Is  it  a  fin  againft  the  Lord  to  ceafe  to  pray  for  his  peculi- 
ar people,- 1  Sam.  1 2 .  *  3 . 

>.  Doe  the  Prophets  and  Apoftles  preffe,  and  perfwade, 
exhort,and  excitate,  to  lay  to  heart  and  lament,  bitterly  to  be- 
waile  and  bcmoane  the  miferies,  and  maladies  of  his  Church 
andchofemyeatopray,  and  petition  in  their  behalfc  to  our 
good,  and  gratious  God*  £*«.  1.18,1  p.  R0m.12.1f.  Sphefi. 
f.  1 8;  And  {hall  we  neglecl  it  ? 

3.  If  Iacob  forrowed  fo  much  for  his  fonne  lofeph  a 
long  feafon,  and  would  not  bee  comforted,  although  all 
hisfbnnes  and  daughters  laboured  to  confolate  hkn:  How 
much  more  ought  we  to  be  waile  and  lament;yea  and  labour  to 

reiaoyc 


Se  c  r  .il  7he  Chriflidn  Conflitt.  261 

remove  the  miferable  and  grievous  preflures,  and  perfec- 
tions, not  of  one  lofepk,  but  of  many  thoufands,  Gen.  37. 

34>35- 

4.  Have  good,  andgTacious  men,  beene  continually,- and 

commendably  convcrfant  m  fuch  Chriftian  courfes,  Pf*l.  123. 
3,3.  Z*w.?. 4  8,49, 50.  and  (hall  we  degenerate  anddigreffe 
out  of  a  way  lb  pious,  and  a  path  fo  trodden  in  ? 

5.  Is  conftancy  and  importunity  fo  important  and  prevai- 
ling,/;*^, 1 1.5,6,7,8.  18.1,1,5,6,7,8.  and&allwefurceafe 
to  follicite  our  gracious  and  good  God  ? 

6.  Have  the  faithfull,  and  fervent,  the  fincereand  zealous 
prayers  of  pious  people  procured  liberty  and  enlargement  to 
Saint  />*/*  r,although  bound  with  two  chaines,  and  kept  with 
fburc  quaternions  of  fouldiers,  A8s  1 2.  2,10.  Refrefhing 
raine  and  fruitfiill  feafons  tothediftreffed  Israelites,  when  the 
heavens  were  as  iron,  and  the  earth  asbrafe,  the  raine  having 
beene  retrained  the  (pace  of  three  yeares,  and  fix  moneths, 
lames  5 . 1 7.  And  hath  a  refrefhing  raine  to  the  Romane  army, 
whofe  men  and  horfes  died  with  third: :  and  thunder  with 
lightning  by  which  the  Marcomanni  or  Moravians,  &  Quadi, 
or  Silcfians  weredifcomfited,  and  had  a  fucceflefull  and  unex- 
pected victory ;  for  which  caufe,  the  Emperour  ±#4*rcw 
tsfntontHs  called  the  legion  of  Chriftian  lbuldiers,the  thunde-  KifxmUus* 
ring  legion,  and  did  abrogate  the  many  bloudy,  and  barbarous 
decrees,  which  then  were  of  force  againft  Chriftians.    And 

ftull  weomita  duty  fo  prevalentand  prevailing? 

7.  Is  it  the  will  of  God  that  wee  mould  pray  alwaies, 
1  Thefc.i  8.  And  (hall  not  we  dutifully  and  obediently  doe 
this,itbeingfojuftandequall  ?  God  forbid. 

March  we  on  therefore  being  armed  with  prayer :  we  can 
never  pray  truly  except  we  be  armed,  neither  can  we  rightly 
ufe  our  weapons  without  prayer.  A  fouldier  of  the  Lord  har- 
nefleth  bimfelfe,  and  goeth  on  praying,  befeechingGodfor 
helpe,  afliftance,and  continuance. 

Firft,  Pray  therefore  with  our  hearts,  like  Abraham*  fcr- 
vant,G'*.24.27.  like  that  man  of  God  tMofes,  Exod.  14. 
ijT,  like  gratious  Hannah,  1  Sam.  1. 13*  good  Nebemiaby 

S  3  Neb. 


%  6 1  The  ChrijlUn  Conflict.         Ch  a*  ,  i  il 

Vrntninvuk  iM.1.4.  and  diftreffed  hw*h,h*ab  *.  for  God  is  not  onely 

{tier**" aUm     a ^carcr °f *e VOIce ^ut °^thc nearC"  Hc forchingand feeing 
the  fecrets  of  the  fame. 

Second  ly,Pray  with  our  voice*  this  being  neceffirily  requi- 
red, except  there  be  fome  caufe  of  weight,  and  importance  to 
the  contrary. 

i.  For  our  tongues  are  given  and  granted  to  us  to  praifc  and 
glorifie  God  as  well  as  our  hearts,  and  they  are  of  all  other 
parts  of  the  body  the  moft  proper  and  excellent  inftrunents 
ofGods  jilory,7y4/.j7.8.  108.1. 

a.  For  words  are  nor  onely  declarers,  demonftrating  and 
fhewing,  butalfoftirrersup:  ftrengtheners  and  increaiersof 
the  affeclions  of  the  heart ;  for  as  the  reflection  of  heate  com- 
ming  from  the  chimney  maketh  the  fie r  hotter,  which  before 
hath  heated  it,  even  fo  words  in  prayer  makes  the  heart 
more  fervent,  the  ardency  whereof  having  before  occasioned 
the  fame. 

3.  For  words  in  prayer  arc  a  prime  and  principal]  prop,  3 
markable  and  fpeciall  meanes  to  prevent  interruptions  and  di- 
ftra&ions,  to  keepethe  minde  from  wavering,  and  wandring, 
and  to  hold,and  kcepe  it  clofeto  the  matter  in  hand. 

Pray  in  publique  with  the  Church  or  Congregation. 

1.  For  fuch  prayers  which  are  mod  publique,  are  moft 
powerfull,umtcd  prayers  make  a  lowder  cry,and  moove  God 
fooner  to  open  his  eares. 

2 .  For  fuch  prayers  manifeft  our  mutuall  communion,  and 
are  an  effectual  1  meanes  of  mutuall  edification,  ftirring  up  the 
2eale,  and  inflaming  the  affections  of  each  other. 

3.  For  fuch  prayers  are  mdft  honourable,  and  acceptable 
to  God,  the  Lord  moft  delighting  in  the  joynt  confent  of  bit- 
people  praying  unto,and  worfhipping  him. 

Pray  in,and  with  our  families  like  good  ComeRm,  AU*  1  o. 
5  o.for,not  only  is  it  need  full  thus  to  do,  to  fanclifie  our  cal- 
lings, and  Gods  creatures,  but  alfo  this  bringcthboth  honour 
and  profit  to  our  houfeholdes. 

Pray  in  fecret^hus  may  we  pray  in  the  field,  (/**.*  4.$  3.  in 
•urpurneyx(?w,a8.2ot  inaprifon,^.   But  the  moil  fecret 

place 


Se  c t.j;  TheChtiflid*C$Hfl$a.  .  *£j 

place  h  for  this  the  mod  convenient,  /«**.  6. 6.  fuck  places  be  - 
ing  freed  from  rtefrly  inticements,  agreeable,  and  anfwera- 
ble  to  Chrifts  precept  and  pracTiie.  Pray  therefore  in  fecrer, 
this  being  a  good  trial!  and  touchftonc of  our  (incerity  and  up- 
rightneflc.  This  arguing,  and  augmenting  our  familiarity 
with  God.  This  bringing  mod  comfort  and  confolation  ; 
And  in  thefe  we  mod  freely  and  plainely  may  make  knowne 
our  whole  minde  to  the  Lord. 

Pray  we  whenfocver  we  enterprife  or  goe  about  any  thing. 
This  ian&ify  ing  every  thing,  place,perfon,and  performances  ; 
neither  can  we  exped  a  bleffing  in  any  thing  except  we  crave 
it  by  prayer,  Pfat.  1 27.2. 

Pray  without  failing,and  fntermifllon  morning  and  evening. 
Let  this  be  our  Alph*  and  Omtg*,  the  beginning  and  ending  of: 
ouradions,/>/4/.5  5.i7.  1  Thejf.^iy.  b*n.6.\Q. 

1.  For  as  the  lewes  folemnefacririces  were  both  morning 
and  evening,  fo  fhould  this  ofours.    * 

V  The  day  and  night  ought  to  be,  and  by  this  they  are  fea- 
foned  and  fancTified,  1  T/w.4.4. 

3  .Each  of  thefe  needs  a  fupply  of  ftefli  favours  and  mercies* 

4.  And  in  both  day  and  night  wre  want  Gods  gratious  and 
fpeciall  protection,  to  fupport  and  ftrengthen,  to  preierve  and 
protect  usagainft  the  afiaultsofour  fpiricuallenemies,whoare 
never  weary,  nor  wanting  to  do  miichiefc. 

Pray  in  private,  with  fuch  geftures  which  are  fitteil  to 
moove,  and  enforce  our  hearts  to  feeling,  and  fervency,  and 
which  argue 

Firft,  A  zealous  right  and  reverent  faith,  fuch  as  arc 

I  .The  lifting  up  of  the  hands,  Sx.p  29. 17.11. £4.3. 17.3.41 

2.  The  lifting  up  of  the  eyes,  P/4/.121.1. 123. 1.  Iob.i7.im 

3.  Standing  upright  as  waiters,  (/;*.  1 8. 2  2.  1  Ki*g.$.ii. 

4.  Sitting upright,G*w.4 8.2.  Ittdg. 20.26.  1  &uw.i.io. 
Secondly , or  a  (incere,found  &  zealous  repentance,Uich  as  are 

I  .Bowing  the  body,(?f».22.3  3.  Eflcr  3.5  .Micah  6.6. 
3.  Bending  the  knee,  1  ^Mg*8.54.D**.6.io.  Lmkf**^ 
e^fiF.7.^0. 9.40.  Sfbifa.t^. 

3.  Looking downewardjLu^ig.i 3. 

S  4  4,  Smkins 


2  6 4  The  chriflun  Conflict.       Ch  a  p .  1 2 . 

4.  Smiting  on  the  breft  or  thigh,  /*r.$i.lp,  2s«*J^.2t;t2« 
Z*(.*8  1  j. 

y .  Kneeling  on  both  knees,  1  Cbron%6.  l$.Dant6. 1  o.£»^.' 
22 .41. ^#.7.60.  9.40. 

6.  Falling  on  the  face,M*»*.i  6  4-/0/5. 7-6. 1  C0r.14.15. 

7.  Thrufting  the  mouth  into  the  duft,£*w. 3.29. 

8.  Sitting  ab/eclly  clothed  in  duft,  Neh  9. 1 . 

9.  Hanging downethehands>/er.3 i.i9.£*^.2i.t  2. 
Pray  in  publique  with  unanimous  uniformity  in  regard  of 

our  outward  carriage  and  gefture,keeping,ufing  and  obferving 
publique  geftures  prefcr-ibed  and  praclifed  as  commendable 
and  warrantable  by  our  Church:  not  breaking  the  bounds  of 
comelinefle  and  order,  Neb .  8 . 5 ,6.  this  being  a  principall  pre- 
venting prepofterous  cenfuring  and  condemning  of  others; 
whereas  diverfity  of  geftures  caufeth  diffractions,  and  hinde- 
reth  devotionJ  do  therfore  heartily  wi(h,  and  unfeinedly  de- 
fire,  that  all  perfons  in  publique  performances  of  prayer  with 
the  Congregation,  would  fall  downeand  kneele  before  the 
Lord  our  maker ;  this  being  enjoyned,  and  that  rightly,  religi- 
oufly,and  warrantably,P/*/.9  5 .6,7. 

Mine  anfwer  to  thefe  interrogatories  was  it  demanded 
fhould  be  as  folio weth .      * 

gut/l.  1 .  Is  bodily  worfhip  alwaies  needfull  ? 

A*fw.ln  publique  aflemblies,  and  in  the  Congregation  it  is, 
although  not  in  private  or  fecret. 

<Queft.2j$  it  fufficient  in  the  great  Congregation :  or  ought 
it  to  be  firft  and  principally  performed  ? 

Anfw.  1  .Neither  is  it  fufficient,for  God  requireth  the  foule, 
heart,mind,and  fpiric. 

a.  Neither  ought  it  to  go  before  the  worfhip  of  the  (bule,fbr 
that  is  both  prepofterous,and  hypocritical!. 

J£*eft,  3.  Is  kneeling  alwaies  needfull  in  Gods  publique 
worfhip  and  fervice? 

^»/.It  is  needfull  alwaies  becaufe  commanded, Pfij$  .6,7. 
Ifit^  5.23  .and  confonant  to  the  praftifc  of  the  moft  pious  peo* 
pie,  2.Cbr§n%6.ll. 

£*eft.\Js  kneeling  needful]  in  all  publique  fervice  of  God, 
and  in  alithc  parts  thereof?  A*fw*. 


^fiCT.2.  TheChri/iUnC*»flilt.  *6$ 

4*f».  No,  but  in  invocation  or  prayer  as  appcarcs  by  pre- 
cept and  pradife. 

Jt"'&. 5  •  Js  it  needfull  all  the  time  of  publique  prayer,  and 
i    in  all  perfons  r 

>f*/w.No,  for  in  fbme  it  may  be  injurious  and  hurtfull,  in 
others  inconvenient,and  unprofitable. 

t  .  Hurtfull  to  the  impotent,lame,ficle,  fbre,e^.  and  then  it 
is  contrary  to  that  authenticall  commandement,and  pious  pre- 
cept,I  will  have  mercy  and  not  facrifke. 

a .  Inconvenient  when  the  Minifters  voice  in  prayer  is  thcr- 
by  drowned,  fo  as  that  it  cannot  be  he  heard,  and  then  it  is  re- 
pugnant to  that  royall  rule,let  all  be  done  to  edification. 

£>*cft.6.  Is  kneeling  firft  or  moft  to  be  ufed  in  Gods  pub- 
lique fervice? 

Anfw.  Yes,becaufe  humiliation  is  chiefly  required,and  pray- 
er alfo  ofteneft  to  be  ufed>  whereupon  Gods houfe  is  called  a 
houfe  of  prayer. 

Eufebiiu  reports  of  Saint  Idmes  the  brother  of  the  Lord,that  lib.z.tap.i^ 
his  knees  had  loft  the  fenfe  of  feeling,  like  unto  a  camels,  with 
continuall  kneeling  upon  them  in  worshipping  of  God,  and 
praying  for  the  pardon  of  fin  for  the  people 

Chap.  XIII. 

Fdftmg  Is  another  duty  of  Cbrifiianfiuldsers,  vobat  kindr  * 
•ffafting  is  required^  its  neceffitjy  excellency^ 
comf  anions %  and  occafions* 

TO  our  extraordinary  prayers  joyne  we  often  watchfnll- 
neffcandfafting,£V.4.3.  watch  in  prayer,  i  Cor.y.j  .giv* 
jour  J elves  t o  failing  .andfrnyer. 

Firft,  Thus  doing  we  ftiall  teftifie  our  officious,dutirall,  and 
diligent  obedience  to  the  holy  and  heavenly  precepts  of  our 
Soveraigne  Lord  God  and  bleffed  Saviour,/**/ 1 . 1 2.1  ^ir.1.7 
Secondly,  Thus  doing  we  (hall  manifeft  our  Chriftian  con- 
formity to  the  pious  and  praife-  worthy  praftifes  of  good  men, 
in  times  andages  pad:  and  goners  of  Z><rt*4  Cornelius  iiA&i 
to.  and  divers  other.  Thirdly, 


2  66  The  Chrifiidn  Conflict.  Ch  ap  .  i  £. 

Thirdly,  This  combination  of  falling  with  prayer,  comfor- 
tably crowning  with  correfpondent  compenlation,  and  excel- 
lently enriching  with  extraordinary  effects  :    for 

i.  Hereby  great  and  gladfome  bleffings  havebecne  pur- 

xhafed,  and  procured.    Witnefle  the  Iewes  marvailous  and 

miraculous  deliverances  from  that  malignanr,and  mifchievouj 

raaflacre of  their  cruell  and  capitall  cacmy,  that  wicked  mif- 

beleeving  mifcreant  Ham** and his  cur kd  complices,  tfler 

4  1 6. 8.  i4, 1 5 .   Witnefle  that  confirming  conference,  and 

comfortable  command  of  an  holy  and  heavenly  Angell  unto 

Cornelias y  that  charitable  and  devout  Captaine  and  Centurion 

ofthc  the  Italian  band,  when  hee  was  fafting  in  his  houfe,  Afts 

10.30. 

1.  Hereby  former  fevours,  and  memorable  mercies  have 

?ene  confirmed,  and  continued,  reeftablifhed,  and  reduplica- 

td :  witnefle  Gods  being  intreated  of  the  Iewes  when  they 

tftcd  and  befought  the  Lord,  £*,*•*  8. 2  2, 1 5 . 

3 .  Hereby  fearefuil  and  formidable  judgements  have  been 
cfpited,  and  removed,  witnefle  the  prolonging  and  putting 

,  the  pouring  out  of  Gods  wrath  upon  the  people  of  the 

swes,  untill  /ofish  was  gathered  to  his  fathers  in  peace, 

C£ro».  3  4. 17, 28.  Witnefle  that  remarkable  victory  of  the 

fraelites  againft  the  Benjamites,after  two  terrible  and  dread- 

iill  difcorafitings,  in  which  they  loft  forty  thoufand  valiant 

'nen,  ludg. 20.2 6. They  fafted,and  the  Lord  fmote  rBenjamin9 

v.sj.andwicnerfetheLord  repealing  and  repenting  him  of 

the  cvill  that  hcefaid  hee  would  doe  to  the  Ninivites,  lonab 

3.10. 

4.  Hereby  pkgues,  and  punishments,  croffes,  and  calami- 
ties bavebeene  changed,  and  converted  into  incredible  and  in- 
cftimable  profits,and  promotion^comfbrts  and  contentments. 
Witnefle  that  invaluable  fpoyle  of  riches,  and  pretious  jewels 
which  lehofaphat,  and  the  people  of  the  Iewes  found  amongft 
their  (laughtered  enemies :  that  extraordinary  joy  wherewith 
the  Lord  had  made  them  to  re  Joyce  :  and  the  peaceable  reft, 
*|uietnefle,and  tranquillity  which  God  gave  to  the  Realme  of 
JtU/dpbafyZ&ct  that,  by  this  pious  and  prevalent  performance 

he 


S  fi  c  Til.  The  chriJIUn  Ctnfltif*  1 6j 

he  bad  obtained  an  unheard  of  victorious  vanquiming  of  the 
Arrimonites,V!oabites,  and  Edomites,  who  were  compacted 
%in  acurfed  confederacie,  and  un/uftly  invaded  the  Realmeof 
ludah  with  an  aftonifhing,  and  affrighting,  with  an  impregna- 
ble, and  invincible  array,  3  Chrou.20. 

5 .  Hereby  the  Saints  and  holy  ones  of  God  have  interefled 
themfeives  in  the  promifed  reward,  CMttth.fi.  1 8.  have  been 
more  confidently  confirmed,  and  certainely  aflured  of  their 
owne  lalvation,  i  CV.9. 2 3,2 7.  fitly  therefore^nd  excellent- 
ly doth  Saint  Chryfoslome  call  facing  the  tranquility  of  our  Horn.  2.  in 
fouleSy  the  beauty  of  old  men,  the  Scboolemasler  of  young  men9  Gen. 
the  teacher  of  the  continent ^mhich  adometb  every  age,  and  fex 
eta  with  a  diadem. 

tf.Herby  the  Saints  of  God  have  been  and  are  better  enabled 
to  all  holy,  and  heavenly  pious  pra&ifes,  and  divine  duties, 
iJWatth.  17.11.  by  f*fii»g  and  prayer ,  2  Cor,  j.6.  Saint  Chry-  Hom  ,  ■ 
fofiome  therefore  calls  it  the  mother  of  all  good  worses,  the  mi-  Match, 
ftreffe  ofmodeftjy  and  all  other  vert  He  J,  the  helper  of  prayer,  be- 
cause prayer  without  fa  fling  isfiender  and  weakey  for  that  pray- 
er ii  flrong  which  u  made  with  an  humble  fpirity  and  a  contrite 
heart— -but  he  cannot  have  a  lowly  jpirit ,  and  4  broken  heart, 
who  eatei)  and  drinleety  and  enjoy  es  his  plcafureSyWbereas  fafling 
a&ds  fervour  and  force ;  gives  wings  unteyanJnourifietb  prayer* 
Our  Homilies  excellently  make  three  ends  of  falling.  The  cha- 
ftifag  oftbefte/b.  To  teslific  our  humble fub  mi ffion  ;  and  That 
the  Qttrit  may  be  more  fervent  in  prayer, 

7.  Hereby  we  maybe  encouraged  againftSatam  execrable* 
exploits  and  encounters,  this  being  a  meanes  to  extirpate  and 
expellthcDivell,  UW*tth.ij.7\.  Vpon  which  place  Saint  H6m   g. 
Chryfeslome  faith,  He  who  frayethfafiing  hath  two  wings y  by  Matth. 
which,  inflyiug  he  u  carry ed  over  the  windesyfor  he  neither  doth 
fie  :pi  ly  gafpeyneit  her  doth  he  deferrey  neither  is  he  dull or  flow  in 
fr ay erywkub  things  many  indurcy  but  he  is  more  burning  them 
fire  ytfove  the  earthy  and  therefore  is  made  a  terrible  enemy  to 
the  divell.Thc  fame  b  ly  Father  calleth  fading  our  armour,and* 
weapons  againft  c  ur  adverfarits,  faying,  They  who goe to bat*  Hom.x j,ia 
Uile%  dee  diligently  [ttruifi  themfeives  before  hemd^  he  feet  h  that  Mai  kc* 

he 


Serin  it  uu  k» 


26%  The  Chriflidn  Cwfiitl.         Chap.iJ. 

be  bath  his  helmet  if  be  hath  bis  fword,  if  hehatbhisffestre,if     ' 
be  bath  hu  arrows,  if  bis  borfe  be  refrefbed,  and  that  he  may 
fight*  beforehand  be  makes  ready  hi*  armour,  year  weapons  -\ 
*JZm.Tol  ""WW-    Againe he  faith,  It  Abetter  to  faft  the'f aft  of 'af- 
t.  feflio*  than  of  hunger.    The  fail  of  love  is  better  than  of  ne-  .  |  I 

cefftty.    Our  Saviour  faith  of  T^ivels,  this  k**d  is  not  ca(l  out 
but  by  prayer  and  faftingv  Prayer  and  fafting  do  put  to  flight 
the  Divels,  and  (hall  they  not  overthrow  churji/b  Barbarians? 
Ser&.i.dcjeju*  The  fame  Father  in  a  Sermon  of  fading  alledging  the  fame 
»'*  Scripture,  faith  :    Fafling  ought  not  to  be  terrible  to  you ;  for 

it  is  ordained  again (i  the  nature  of  Dive  Is,  So  that  if  any  be 
P*lfcjfcd  "*tb  an  uncleane  jpirit ,  and  JhaS  behold  the  counte- 
nance offafting.t  if  he  were  an  unmoveableftone,  he /ball  be  quic- 
kened. But  if  thou  addeft  to  it  the  fifter  offafting,  that  is,  if  he 
fhaR  behold  its  companion  prayer  with  it,  therefore  Chrift  faith, 
this  kindgoeth  not  out  hut  by  prayer  and  faUing.  Since  there- 
fore  it  doth  weaken  and  rep  ell  the  enemy  of  our  falvation,  and 
finite  feare  of  fitch  t  err  our  in  our  enemies—-wbere  facing  hath 
beeueajfe&ed,  the  difficulties  of  cruelty  arereleafed,  the  bonds 
of  captivity  are  loofed,  the  rights  of  liberty  are  re  flared  wholly* 
Since  therefore  failing  doth  re  ft  ft  our  adverfaries,  wsllrejeft  the 
yokes  of  bondage ,  and  reft  ore  the  fecurity  of  freedome—wilt 
thou  beare  whatafafety,  how  great  a  fuccour  is  brought  forth  to 
mankind  by  failing?  —  And  ft  nee  abfiinence  bath  beene  a  necefa- 
r j  buckler  to  us  before  the  eonflift  to  refift  our  wilfull  fenfuali* 
ties,  much  moremuft  wedefre  the  helpe  offafttng  in  our  fight 
5  -       Sf  l%    it  feife  to  our  viftory. 

*6  j^n.9.5.  *       Tms  ^Wy  °^  faffing  therefore  being  (although  not  an  eflen- 
Bfthcr.4.16.     tiall  property  of  prayer,  yet)  often  ncceffarily  to  be  joy  ned 
Mar.9.  %9.        with,  and  accompany  the  fame  as  a  prime  and  principal!  means 
Luke  x.  1 7.       to  proted  and  faf eguard  our  (elves  againft  the  afperate  affaults 
Afts  ig.  1  j.      andiharpe  attempts  of  our  affiduous  adverfaries ,  and  audaci- 
.*  W«  x4-2  J-    quj  enemiesjand  to  propugne  andjproftrate  the  fierce  and  furi* 
ous  fraud  and  force  of  Satan  and  his  afliftants.  We  therefore 
fellow  Chriftian  fouldiers  ought  to  our  other,  pious  perfor- 
mances to  add  and  conjoyne  this  of  faffing. 
i*  I  do  not  meane  that  naturallor  phyficallfaft  which  ig 

for 


S  b  c  -rii .  The  chrifiian  Ctnfltlt.  2  gp 

fcr  healths  fake,  and  therefore  often  prefcribed  by  learn* 
ed  Phyficians  for  the  recovery  and  continuing  of  bodily 
*  health. 

2.  Nor  that  civill  abftinence  whereby  men  fbrbeare  meatt 
and  drinks,  the  better  to  accommodate  themfelvcs  to  accom- 
plifh  lome  worke  of  waight,  or  bnfinefle  of  fpeciall  impor- 
tance, more  ferioufiy  fetting,  and  more  firmely  hereby  faften- 
ing  their  minds  toprofecute  and  cffecl- with  greater  earneft- 
nefle  and  forwardnefle  the  bufinefle intended,  i  Sam.  1 4. 34. 
^fif/aj.14. 

$.  Nor  a  cenft  rained  faft,  when  mens  forbearance  of  food 
is  from  a  forcible  compulfion,  they  would  eat^but  either  wane 
meat  or  appetite,  <JWatt  1 5 .  j  2. 2  Cor.i  1 .27. 

4.  Nor  that  Chriftian  fobriety,  whereby  men  ufe  the  good; 
creatures  of  God  foberly  and  temperately,  not  fo  often,  nor 
fo  plentifully  asisufuall,  1  0.9,27.  Which  is  pious,  praife- 
worthy,  and  profitable  for  the  poore,  the  common- wealth, 
the  health  ofour  bodies,  the  good  ofourlbulcs.  This  dead  ing 
and  diminifhing  flefiily  and  filthy  lufts,  bridlingand  battering 
down  unruly  affedions,  and  fitting  and  framing  the  mind  to 
holy  and  heavenly  duties. 

5 .  Nor  that  fpirituall  faft  whereby  we  abftaine  from  finne, 
Ifs.  5  8. 6,  This  abftinence  and  freedome  from  fil  thine  fife  and 
vice,  as  to  have  our  eyes  faft  from  wamonneffeand  vanity,  our 
eares  from  fables,  fraud,  and  ftatterie :  our  tongues  from  wic- 
ked words  and  all  evill  fpeaking :  our  hands  from  godleffe 
works  and  gracelefle  actions:  our  foules  from  finfull  thoughts 
and  vaine  imaginations ,  ought  to  be  constantly  continued  iri 
the  whole  courfe  of  our  lives. 

6.  Not  that  miraculous  faft  whereby  LMofes  ^  ElUh ,  and  Deut.^;. 
our  Saviour  Cbrifl  abftained  from  all  manner  of  foftenance  for   z  King-  x9-*- 
many  dayes  together  wichcut  being  at  all  hungry.   For  this  ^atth-4-«- 
facl  of  our  Saviour  is  not  for  our  imitation,  we  may  not  pre- 
lume  to  do  miraculous  workes  andaclsbecaufeour  S:viour 
did  fuch .    Ghrift  was  baptized,  fo  ought  we.    Chrift  confu- 
ted Satan  with  the  Scripture,  fo  ought  we.    Chrift  'afted ,.  fe 
ought  we.    But  as  we  donor  therefore  defire  to  be  baptized 

in. 


*7<>  Thechrifiidn&njliZl.         Chap.ij.    j 

in  Iordan :  as  we  do  not  defire  to  be  placed  on  the  pinade  of  L 

Hm  48  in        ^C  ^"emP^e  t0  rcn^  Satan  :   &  neither  in  all  circumdances    ! 

Afar,  niuft  we  imagine  in  our  fading  to  imitate  our  Saviour  ChrilV  - 

*  Pag.63.  ThusS.  C^rj/^w*  faith:  Our  Saviour  doth  not  fajbi*  fajl 
earc  to  afflia  «  f  0  £*  imitated ,  although  be  might  have  propounded  thofe 
the  foule  with  fan y  dares  z  "But  learne  of  me  becaufe  I  am  meeke  <t*dto»fj  in 

nothing  at  a]  f.  Neither  doe  thofe  Papids  who  preffe,  fo  much  their  un- 

•  2  Sani.3.  3  ?.  grounded  fads,  confiding  in  an  abftinence  from  certaine  kinds 
1 2.7,20.  Ezra  of  meates  prohibited  by  theRomane  Church;  as  our  learned 
\°6  Wher4'  *Bl"fll0Pwr^'^  Although  they  glut  themfelves  with  others, 
*»*Sanki£.*o  ^e^  as  f°m€  of  their  owneaffirme,  that  their  fads  aremcere 

1  King  21. 27.  gluttony,  epicure-like,  as  the  fore-named  Doclour  fheweth  : 

1  Chron.  21.  Thefe  I  fay  do  not  imitate  our  Saviour  Chrid,  who  faded  Co 

itf.Eftcr  4-5-  but  once  in  his  whole  life,  they  every  yeare :  He  abdaining 

1  6*6  l'  fr°raaM  food,  they  onely  from  certaine  kinds  of  food. 
Ezelc.72. 18.  7"  But  thatreligious  fad  whereby  men  fealonably  abdaine 
Dan.'9.  j.  Ioei  ^om  refrefhing  their  bodies,  to  make  them  fitter  for  religious 
i.ij.Ionah  3.  duties:  This  pious  and  godly  exercife  by  which  God  is  im- 
e.  Mat.11.21.  mediately  ferved ,  and  being  joyned  with  prayer  and  inward 
f  loci  2. 16.  humiliation  f  js  an  adjuvantmeanes  to  appcafe  and  deprecate 
Dew:.' Zl.l\  Gods  anger :  to  impetrateand  obtaine  fundry  benefits,  and 

2  Samfi  1. 11.    tQ  redft  and  repell  Satan  that  fubtill  ferpent.    This  is  an  abdi- 

Exod,ip  15.    nence  commanded  by  the  Lord  to  make  folemne  profeffion 

2  Sam.  j  2.1*.    0f  our  repentance.    It  is  a  totallor  whole  abdinence  from 

Jd*  *  6  *i  8       mcats  and  drinks,  or  a  all  kind  of  fudenance  or  nourishment, 

2  Cor.6.V      (difference  of  meats  therefore  makes  not  this  fad,  ^jMatth. 

«Neh.  1.  4.      *£•$.  1  C<?M 0.25,^7.   §.8  fW.13.9.)  and  all  other  plea- 

Dan.6.18.        furefull  delights,  profitable  andgainefull  things  of  this  life. 

.'Levit.16.29,  Namely  bcodly  and  curious  apparell;  c  Matrimoniall  bene- 

f  g'  *  0**1  V*'  voJCncc»  o* tne  marriage-bed :  <*  part  of  our  ordinary  fleepe ; 

Hcb!  Z9.7V    '  c  a^  mkth,  muficke,  pleafures  and  padimes  (this  being  a  time 

g  JLeV.23. 1 2.    of  weeping  and  wailing,of  fadnefle  and  fbrrbw)andall  bodily 

Iudg.  20.26.      workes  of  profit  and  pleafure,  and  therefore  from  the  ordina- 

1  Sam.  14.24.    ry  Workes  of  our  callings,  fuch  times  being  dayes  of  red  to  be 

7.6.  a  Sam.  i.  j^  as  Sabbaths,without  doing f  any  worldly  works  for  a  cer- 

Aa/ii.Vo.     taineume ;  naiaely  6  a  day  at  the  lead  :  except  necefllty  in- 

forcc 


Sect.i.  The  chrijiUn  Conflict.  271 

force  fomeweakc  and  impotent  per fonsfo  farre  forth  to  re - 
frefh  themfelves  as  their  need  and  weakeneffe  doth  require  t 
*ForGod  will  have  mercy,  and  not  facrifice,  Hof.6.6.  Excel- 
lently faith  S.  Cbrjfoslome  to  this  purpofe  1    Beloved  %Jf 
through  bodily  weakeneffe  thou  canfi  not  faslawboJe  day,  none   Q°^l°'tn 
that  is  wife  can  therefore  reprove  thee  for  tbis\  for  toe  have  a 
mild  and  gracio'ts  Lord,   requiring  nothing  of  us  absve  our 
ftrengtb~-if  tberfore  there  are  any  prefent,  whom  the  feeblenes  of 
body  doth  forbid  to  faftT*nd  to  remaine  without  dining  :   /  ex- 
hortfuch  to  regard  the  weaknefe  of  the  bodj~-thereforc  he  wbo 
receiveth  meat,  and  cannot  fafty  let  him  give  the  more  liber  all 
dlmeSi  let  him  be  more  fervent  in  praytr,  let  him  have  the  more 
reddineffe  in  bearing  divine  fpeecbes,  in  which  the  feeblenejfe  of 
the  body  cannot  binder ,  let  him  be  reconciled  to  bis  enemies  y  let 
him  fhnn  aU  hatred  and  defire  of  revenge.    Be  wbo  doth  theft 
things  will  fa/fa  true  fafly  which  the  Lord  doth  principally  re* 
amre  ef  as.  Sometimes  for  a  larger  and  longer  time,the  occa- 
sions being  more  urgent  and  forcing,  Neb.  1.4.  Sfther^  16* 
vf#>9.9.  extraordinary  occafions,  and  fpeciall  occurrences, 
private,  publike  or  particular,  earneftly  calling  upon  us  for 
more  than  ordinary  humiliation  and  prayer. 

Miftake  me  not  I  pray, as  if  I  deem'd  klawfull  or  allowa- 
ble for  private  perfons  to  appoint  or  approve  of  publike  fafts- 
without  authority  of  Soveraigne  and  fupreame  Magiftrates, 
*  to  whom  it  doth  belong  to  authorize  and  command,  to  pub*  ■  f  King.ix.ga 
lilhand  proclaimethe  fame.    b  Which  divine  duties  ought  9-  ^Chron.io 
then  to  be  performed  and  pra&ifed  in  the  temple  or  houfe  of  *  •  Ezra  8- **• 
God.    And  the  perfons  to  be  prefent  and  participate  are  c  all  Ion"  4 \  x°* 
forts  of  people,  high  and  low,  rich  and  poore ,  young  and  kiudg!*o.i$i. 
Did.  Ierem.36.6. 

1.  Rulers  and  regents  who  have  the  guidance  and  go-  Ioel  1. 14. 

rernment  upon  their  fhoulders,  fhouM  then  and  there  accom-  c  2  Q[?n'  2  £* 

aiodate  themfelves  to  accompany  the  people.  io.Vs.*  ioel  2! 

1 .  Becaufe  the  guilt  and  cry  of  their  (innes  is  as  great,  loud,.  x$t' 
and  clamorous,  if  not  more  than  of  other  men,  both  in  regard 
i>f  their  age,offices,provocations,  tentations  and  allurements  to 
erroneous  wayes  and  wandrings* 

2,  Sccaufe 


272  The  Chriflkn  Conflict.  Chap. 13. 

2,  Becaufe  their  examples  are  more  beneficiall  or  obnoxi- 
ous, being  moreobferved  and  followed. 

3.  Becaufealfo  their  helping  hand,  councell,  and  counte,-^ 
nance  isof  great  and  urgent  importance  for  the  difcovery  and 
difcountenancing,  curbing  and  countermining,  punifhingand 
preventing  capitall  and  crying  offences,  caufing  and  occasion- 
ing evils  of  all  forts. 

2.  Yea  even  harmleffe^nd  belpflffe,  tender  and  irrepre- 
henfible  children  and  infants  have  not  often  and  ufoally  for- 
merly beene  excluded  nor  exempted  from  thefe  pub-like  per- 
formances. 

I  Notonely  becaufe  they  are  defiled  with  their  owne  fins 
and  their  parents,  and  fo  are  liable  to  the  dreadfull  difpleafure 
and  irefull  judgements  of  God,  Hof.  1  2. .  1 6. 

2.  Butalfobecaufe  the  feeing  and  hearing  the  mournefuil 
and  (adding  rufulltearcs  and  doleful  I  cries  of  fuch  perplexed 
perfons  will  much  move ,  preffe ,  and  provoke  others  to 
mournfull  lamentations. 

3.  Andlaftly,  becaufe  this  is  a  notable  and  fpcciall  meancs 
timely  to  traine  them  up  in  holy  and  pious  fer vices  to  our  gra- 
cious God. 

4.  Laitly,  the  fcafons,  times,  occafions  and  ends  of  thefe  ex- 
traordinary duties  have  been  and  ought  to  be 

1.  The  preventing  of  fome  future  and  fearefull  eminent 
dangers  and  diftrefles,  the  obtaining  deliverance  from,  and 
defence  againft  our  mighty  and  malicious,  fierce  and  furious 
foes,  2  Chron. *o. j .  ZT/f  .4. 1 ,2, 3.  lontb  a . 

2.  The  removing  and  remitting  Ibme  prefent  pinching 
preflure and  calamity,  lofh,jt6.  ludg.  20. :  ©.  loel  1 . 4.  Thus 
%ve  were  enjoyned  by  publike  authority  in  thofe  dangerous 
dayes  of  warre,  1628.  for  the  prefervation  of  his  Majefties 
Realmes,  and  all  reformed  Churches  to^taft.  Thus  by  the 
fame  authority  we  were  enjoyned  to  fad  every  wednefday 
during  that  heavy  vifitation  of  the  peftilence,  1 62  $ .  and  alfo 
in  the  time  of  the  dearth,  1 6 16. 

$.  The  preventing  and  pacifying  of  Gods  wrath  juftly  fea- 
red, and  conceived  by  fojae  (hamefull  raigning  fins  in  a  land, 
£tr*p.i,2j?.  4.  The 


Chap.ij.  TheChriftidnCdfipS.  273 

4.  The  comforting,  fuccouring  and  fupporting  neighbour- 
Churches  in  their  miferies  and  calamities ,  Gods  people  in 
*»  their  perfecutions  and  preflures,  Afts  13.1. 

*  5.  The  recovery  and  regaining  of  Gods  favours  which 
may  feeme  to  be  loft  and  ecclipftd  by  fenfible  Agues  of  hicin- 
dignatjon,  Efi^.Dtn&.Mauy.  1 5,1 6. 

6.  The  furthering  and  forwarding  of  fbme  fpeciall"  work  of 
enterprife  undertaken  and  in  hand,  Efter^  \ 6.  AFts  1 3.  3. 

It  is  the  private  and  particular  which  I  now  prefle  and  per- 
ftvadeallChriftianfouldiersto  perfbrme  andpraclile,  much 
differing  from  the  former.    For, 

1 .  This  is  free  and  voluntary.  That  is  neceflary  and  en;oy- 
ned,  £^.23.29. 

2.  This  is  performed  and  pra&ifed  by  one  perfon  or  family 
atthemoft,  2  Sam.  5.35.  12.16.  Sfterq.  i6\  Pfai.  35* 13. 
dgio.Ncb.i^.'DAtj  p. 10.  ^ff/io,a,j«  £^2.8,36.  That 
by  a  kingdome  or  countrcy  joyntly. 

3.  This  in  the  moft  private  and  retired  place, 2  S  am. \  2.16. 
Zacb.j^.Aiatth.6.  iS.  That  in  the  publike  congregation. 
For  in  this  as  in  other  Chriftian  exercifes  we  rauft  not  defirc 
to  be  feene  of  men,  onely  to  our  Father  in  fecret :  this  diffe- 
rencing ours  from  hypocriticall  performances:  and  fuch  fe- 
queftring  from  company,  fitting  us  more  freely  and  fervently 
to  mourne,  meditate,  faft  and  pray. 

4.  This  may  be  appointed  by  any  man  who  hath  power  o£ 
himfelfe,  confentof  fuperiours,  N*m.$6. 4,1 3.  or  conveni- 
ent opportunity,  Neb.  1 .4.  That  onely  by  Kings  and  fuch  like 
authority. 

5 .  This  for  more  ends  and  caufes,  namely,  not  onely  pub- 
like, TV**/. 5 3.13. Dan.  10.2,3.  But  alfo private,  2  Sam.  12. 
2  O.  1 1 .2  %.  That  onely  for  ends  and  caufes  which  are  pub- 
like  and  generall. 

Firft,  The  publike  occafions  of  private  fadings  are 
I .  The  loflfe  of  the  Church  or  common-wealth  in  the  death 
i)f  good  governours,  woithy  and  valiant  Warriours,  or  other 
fuch  like  props,  pillars,and  patriots  of  the  fame^i  S*m.$  1-13- 

T  2  Sam. 


^74  The  chriflUn  Conflict.       Chap. 14. 

2&M9.I.X4.  12.  30,35.  And  that  God  would  give  a  good 
fupply. 

a.  The  (orrowes  and  fickneffes  of  other  men,  yea  of  ene-  <* 
raies,/>/4/.35.i3.i?tfi».i2.i5./<««f  5.?. 

5.  The  height  and  hideoufneffe  of  (inne  raigning  in  a  re- 
publique  through  impunity  and  connivence,  Iojb.j.  i6<  Ez.ra 
9  3>4«  Pfd.119.1i6. 

4.  The  fenfe  and  fuffrring  of  fome  judgement  befallei?,' 
Neb.1.4.  Da*?.!. 

5.  The  protection,  fafety,  and  fecuring  of  Kings,  ando- 
thers  in  authority,  1  Tim.i.  1,2,3. 

6.  The  purchafing  and  procuring  of  fome  blcffings  and  be- 
nefits for  Church  and  Common-wealth. 

Secondly,  The  private  opportunities  for  this  private  perfor- 
mance are  thefeand  fuch  like. 

1.  The  taming  of  the  flefh,  the  better  to  pra&ife  the  parti- 
cular  duties  of  our  perfonall  callings  fervently  and  faithfully, 
I  CV.9.27.  2for.6.6.  iTim.5.23. 

2.  The  fitting  and  furnifhing  of  a  mans  fclfe  in  time  of  per- 
fecution  to  beare  the  croffe  more  pioufty  and  patiently,  com- 
fortably and  couragioufly,  (JKaitb.  p.  1 3 .  Zach.j,  $,  1  Cor,  6m 
5  ,tf .  1 1 .  17.  By  this  meanes  oaany  Martyrs  became  fo  migh- 
ty and  magnanimous. 

9».  Theftirring  up,,  reviving,  and  renewing  of  our  repen- 
tance, M  4%.$.Pfal.6<?.il .  1  ©9.24. 

4.  The  adding  and  augmenting  frequency  and  fervour  unto 
our  prayersand  petitions,  Zacb.  1  a.  10.  Lukei.^j.  This  gives 
wings  and^igour  unto  prayer  after  our  hearts  have  beene  ex- 
ceeding frozen,  barren  and  unfruitful!,  /^/i.  17*  Exra  8.20. 
I  0\7«  5. 

5.  The  obtaining,  and  more  powerful!  poflefling  the  fpiri- 
tuall  and  fbule-ravifhing  preience  of  our  blefled  Saviour  t 
Mat  tb. 9.1 4. 

6.  The  recovery  or  receiviug  of  fome  bleffings  waiting  to 
us  in  particular,  1  Sam.  1 .  7, 1  o. 

7.  The  averting  or  turning  away  of  fome  'perfonall  judge- 
ment threatned  or  inflicted ,   1  Sam.  12.  \6.  1  K**gs  21. 

z  Chron*. 


5  i  c  t  .!  \  The  Chrlfthn  Confliti.  2  7  J 

aCAr#».32.a^.  35.18,19. 

8.  The  fcnfc  arid  fuffering  of  fomc  prefent  and  particular 

Jofle,  Cw.j7.34-     ,„  ' 

£.  The  fitting  and  furnifring  a  mans  felfe  more  preparedly 

6  profitably  to  heare  the  Word,and  to  receive  the  communi- 
on. Thus  many  good,  and  gracious  people  before  fuch  divine 
duties  doe  often  eate  fparingly,  orfaft,this  being  a  preffing, 

and  powerfull   preparative  to  that  needfull    preparation  ^0*tf#  {n 
which  ought  to  precede  our  communicating  at  the  Lords  joan.n.^. 
Table.     They  came  to  Itruftlem  to  fattftifie   themfeives  What  doth  it 
yoith  fr*jer>  how  much  more  ought  we  faith  Saint  Augnftine   Profit  tQ.  ai>- 
prep *re  our  felves  for  our  psjjfiover,  according  to  thofc  mcztzndto 
precepts,  2  Chron.  30. 18,1?, 20,21.  35. 6.  and  praclifes,  vwuwierinfin, 

lobull.H,  tt.I.  to  chaftifethe 

This  private  and  particular  faftconfifts  as  the  publique,  not  body  with 
only  in  bodily  abftinence,butalfe  o™8"' "3?  '" 

Firft,  In  an  abfolute  abftinence,  acarefull  Deflation,  and  ^nTinwic- 
true  turning  from  all  manner  of  fin  and  iniquity,  7/4.58.6.  kedncfle ?  wc 
cfpecially  from  fuch  hainous  abominations  which  helpe  for-  appoint  abftn 
ward  the  affliction,  haftcn  Gods  judgements,hinder  and  with-  ncncc  to  the 
hold  his  mercies  and  favours.  Abftinence  from  meates,and  not  bo<,v> , that  wc 
from  malicioufnefie :  from  plea fures,  and  not  from  propha-  ^{Jnefron? 
refle  :  from  food,and  not  from  filthinefle  :  from  fleepe,  and  vjce  vvhofoc- 
rotfrom  finis  a  diabolicall.and  not  a  divine  faft  for  which  God  ver  fafteth 
often  reje&ed  and  reproved  the  Iewes,//*.?  8. 3. £4^.7.5, 6\  and  livcth  in 
The  Ninivites  therefore  whofe  faft  was  pleafing  to  the  Lord,  fincn  ,  fec- 
and  profitable  to  themfeives,  was  accompany ed  with  atur-  m^to!iaTC 
ning  from  all  their  evill  waies,/*»4&  3 .8.   And  a  gcnerall  tur-  tac,c  ofmc«cs 
ring  from  all  Cm  hath  been  prefcribed  to,&  praftifed  by  Gods  not  of  falvati* 
people  as  a  principal!,  and  powerfull,  as  a  neceflary  and  never  "°«  kith  Saint 
failing  meanes  to  avert  and  keepe  away  judgements  prefaged,  4>*drofe  Sena. 
and  porting  apace,  Ezra  8(^p,  and  to  avoke,  and  take  away  V\.    6 
plagues  and  punifhments  purfuing,perceived,and  perplexing,  x  K/ '    '*?' 

/o#/2.I2.  ap.    a  Chron. 

Secondly,  In  an  holy  humbling  of  the  foule  for  Gods  dif-  12.6,7.  £2™ 
pleafure  felt,  or  feared,  and  for  fin  occafioningthe  fame.  Fa-  ®-2  |"*f,",,,**fc 
fiing  therefore  hath  this  name  of  humbling  the  foule  almoft,  7'lod  *•**■ 

T  2  and     * 


^j6  The  Chriftian  Conflict.  Chm,  14. 

l!lS,^-   and  altogether  appropriated  to  it  felfe.  Absence  is  therefore 

know  nict  111  c3  „         .      ",.    r/^,  r,    ,  r  '    .  »        . 

that  faftin^  is  aPPQinted  or  God  that  as  a  meanes  it  may  moove,and  make  us 
acceptable  to  fitter  to  humble  our  foules ;  for  although  G  od  i6  a  fpirir,  and 
God,  not  one-  to  be  worflvipped  in  fpirit  and  truth,  Yet  this  bodily  exercife 
ly  that  we  co-  0f  fafting  is  enj jyned,  and  is  extraordinary  availeable  to  fit, 
wkh^abfti-  ^urn^?  anc*  ^°«ific  us to  wreftle  with,  andwarre  againftthe 
nencebut  a~Ifo  fle&>7>/W.6'p.  o.  to  make  us  apter  to  humble  our  foules  foe 
'  with  humility,  fin  incenfing  and  difpleafing  God. 
Aiab.Ser.i3:         This  humiliation  confilts  primarily  and  principally. 

Firft,  In  caftingdowne,and  abafi  ^g  of  ourfclves  before  the 
dreadful!  and  offended  might  and  Majefty  of  our  great  and 
glorious  God,  Ez,»*  8.21.  Pfal.  3  $.  1 3 . 

1 .  So  that  we  may  have  a  fenfible  feeling  of  our  o  wne  fins, 

calling  to  minde  the  vilenefTe  and  vicioufnefle  ofall  fin,e(peci- 

ally  our  own,&  principally  our  mod  inbred,indeard,mtirnate 

and  inabling  iniquities, being  debts  we  can  no  waies  difcharge, 

making  us  liable  to  all  plagues  and  punishments,  denounced  in 

Gods  booke  againft  offenders,  and  occafioning  our  prefent 

perplexing  preftures, 

TLA.6.iyz36.         *•   So  that  wee  may  groane,  and  grieve,  figh  andjjbr- 

i^.z.  25.17.     row,  mourne  and  lament  under  the  intollerablc  and  inlup- 

21.14.  4M*     portable  weight  and  burden  of  the  fame;  yea  this  bewailing 

75io.  38.1.      and  bemoaning ofour  fins  ought  to  be  like  the  forrowes  of  a 

1.1^13*    woman  in  travaile,  of  one  lamenting  the  death  of  his  mother, 

as  for  the  loffe  of  a  fon,  yea  an  onely.fon,  Zacb,  12.10.  at  the 

lamentation  of  Dragons  and  the  mourning  of  Oltriches, 

Micab  1.8. 

As  David  for  his  Ahf^lom^  and  Rsbtlfot  her  children.  To 
this  end 

1.  Recount  and  call  to'minde  the  number  of  Gods  beftowed 
benefits  to  provoke  and  win  us  to  obedience. 

2 .  Weigh  and  confider  the  mcafure,  greatnefle  j  and  excel- 
lency of  them,  efpecially  which  concerne  the  foule. 

3.  Marke  and  meditate  how  eafily  and  freely  they  were  gi- 
ven,and  granted,  unasked  and  undeferved. 

4.  Ponder  and  remember  upon  whom  they  have  beene 
conferd,  onus,  vileand  miferable earth,  and  afhes,vvormes 

and 


Chap.I4»        ihtthrifltdnConflid.  i*77 

and  not  men,  /yW.73.  5  ,£,10/11,  i  j.  who  have  abufed 
and  neglected  the  many  mercies  of  our  good  God  yL4m^i\. 
who  have  multiplyed  and  manifefted  our  rebellions,<5*.^.  1 6. 
'90,22,40,4  3,61, 6;.  who  have  defcrved  of  due  therefore,  to 
havedirefuli  Judgements  denounced  againft,  and  executed.up. 
on us,Z4w.  1.^,9.  3.19,20. 

Our  ingratitude,difbbedience,and  orTences,notwithftanding 
fuch  and  fo  many  mercies,  being  great  and  grievous:  our  due 
delerr  for  the  fame:  the  danger  wherein  we  (land  in  regard 
of  the  fame;  and  the  dread fullneflc  of  judgements  due  to  us, 
fbould  the  Lord  dealc  with  us  according  to  the  fame,  ought 
to  breake  and  bruife  our  hard  and  ftony  hearts,  fo  as  to  take 
downe  our  courage  and  confidence,  our  pride  and  preempti- 
on, fo  as  to  make  as  meeke^nd  mortified,to  driv£  us  out  of  our 
felves,to  have  confidence  in  God, 2  Cre*.j.  1  3 . 

3.  So  that  we  may  acknowledge  and  confeffe  our  fins  and 
rebellion$,*Z)4».o.6",7.  Pf*L$t. 7,4. wkh bleeding,  beleeving 
and  honeft  hearts. 

Secondly,  In  the  aflurance  of  the  full  and  free  forgivenefle 
ofour  (ins  ;  as  alfo  of  the  procuring  and  obtaining  of  our  re- 
queues, fo  far  forth  as  is  for  Gods  glory,  Ez,r4  r  o.  3.  Hope  of 
pardon,2Uurance  of  remifCon  and  obtaining  ofour  requcfts 
being  nece(Tary  companions  of  true  humiliation,  2  ChroM.20. 
ao.  For  where  there  is  no  hope  to  expeel  reconciliation  with 
God,  there  it  will  bee  impofltble  and  unprofitable  to  en- 
deavour and  enterprife  true  repentance,  neither  can  there  be 
fave  a  defperate  averfenende  to  all  good,and  apromptnefTe 
and  prones  to  cry  out  with  thole,  M*L  3.14.  It  is  in  vaine  to 
ferve  God  Be(ide?,without  this  none  can  pleafe  God,£&£.  1 1. 
6.  and  whatfbever  is  without  it,is  but  fin,/?*«.  14.13. 

Thirdly,In  a  renewed  refolution  againft  all  fin,refigning  and 
renouncing  fin,  fo  as  never  to  revive,  revoke,  or  refumethe 
fame ;  and  foas  ever  hereafter  to  walke  in  newneiTe  of  life. 
This  renovation  in  minding  and  meaning  to  mend  our  lives,  is 
ofabfoluteneceiTity  to  accommodate  and  accompany  aright 
religious  fall.  Falling  without  this  being  but  a  contamina- 
,  tingand  counterfet  hypocriticall  fift,neither  appointed  by,  nor 

T  3  approved 


1 


478  The  ChriftUn  Conflict.  '       Ch ap .  13. 

approved  of  God,  //*.  5  8.3,4,5,6.  for  the  Lord  choofetb, 
commandeth,and  deligbteth  in  falling,  which  is  accompanyed 
witharenued  fife,  //ii.58.6.  Zacb.j. 7,9,10.  Thus  doing^#k 
we  imitate  and  walke  after  our  pious  pattemes  and  predc- 
ceflburs,  the  holy  ones  of  God,  E&a  9. 10.3 .  &a.  whereas 
otherwise  we  doe  but  mocke  God  Co  farre  forth  as  in  us  lyetb, 
for  God  is  not  mocked. 

Fourthly,  In  crying  mightily  to  God,  gftr^.v.  5.  Uel  r. 
14.  DaH.g.19  wrefUing  with  God  like  UkobuuriW  he  blerte 
us,  importuning  the  Lord  like  +s4br*h*m  for  the  Sodomites 
untill  he  heare  us,  Nihem,  t . 5 .  Tfalm.  35,  1  j .  ssffts  9  p. 
xo.30. 

Fifthly,  In  pardctting^nd  patting  by,  forgiving  and  forget- 
ting injuries  and  indignities  againft  our  felvrs,  lf*.%%-6, 
Z*cb  7.9, 10.  As  alfo  in  giving  gladly  an \  bountifully 
to  thofe  who  are  in  want  or  penury,  J/k.  58.  *Aft$  jo. 
4,  30. 

1 .  For  as  the  Ie  wes  had  facrifices  in  their  fafts,^^.  7.9 .  fo 

muft  we,namely  fuch  as  are  workes of  mzxcyfPbil.^.x  S.Helr. 

13.16. 

At  this  time         2«  Giving  of  almes-deeds,  werkes  of  charity,  arefignes 

let  us  give  be-    and  tokens  of  our  true  repentance,conver(ion  from  (in,turning 

fore  hand  our  to  God,  of  our  gratitude  and  gladneffe  for  fuch  reconciliation 

dinner  to  the   ^  God# 

who fTfts  and  3-  Tkefe  two  goe  hand  in  hand  together*  are  linkes  of  fihe 
gives  not  lib*,  famechaine,  infeparably  united  together  in  the  lacred  Scrip- 
rally  to  the  ture,  AB .  I  o .  i ,  4,30. 

poore,  makes  ^,  Except  we  joyne  almes  to  fafting,  making  the  humbling 

haifaftfHS h  °^our  klves  a  meanes  to  refreth  and  rej'oyce  others,  giving  fa 

lidnot  foil  to  mi*h  at  ^e  ^ca^  more  t0  r^c  P°°re  as  wc  Chou\d  have  fpent 

plcafeCod,  "P^n  ourowne  bellies :  we  doe  but  make  religion  acloake 

but  tkat  hec  to  clad  and  cover  coveCoufneffe.    To  fad  that  wee  may  fpare, 

might  not  or  augment  ourfabftance,is  not  for  Gods  glory,  but  for  cq- 

thhSZAm?'  vetoufnefrc- 

knfa  Ssrrlli.  ">*  ^n(*  ^uc^  ^^8  as  the  afore-named  is  injurious,  not  on* 
ly  to  the  poore,  but  alfo  to  all  a  mans  family,  who  gaine  not  by 
their  abftinerjee,  onely  die  matter  if  "he  doth  not  rightly  and 

rel> 


Chap.i^  TheChriJlidKCerfiiH.  279 

religioufly  part  with  and  imploy  fo  much  at  lead  as  is  fpared,to 
f  eait  and  fofter  others. 

*s  Sixthly,  In  a  reverend  and  right  exerciiingour  felves  in  the 
Word  cf God  read  and  preachedjfit  may  be  reading  and  hea- 
ringtheratne,A^^.8.p.5?.;./^r.36.^. 

This  being  a  meanes  to  moove  men  to  repentance,  and  hu- 
miliation of  rninde.  It  is  therefore  mod  fare  and  feafonable,  The  whole 
comfortable  and  convenient,  profitable,  and  praife- worthy  <hyis  tobec 
for  fiich  private  perfons,  who  for  their  owne  private,  or  the  Tcatini^- 
publique  good,  defire  by  this  laudable  and  long  continued  ex-  ^ff^^$lr% 
crcifrj  to  kcenc  and  edge  their  devotions,  to  give  wings  unto,  ,  - 
andcaufe  their  prayers  to  mount  aloft  widi  more  fervour, 
force,  and  fruitfwlkefle,  to  felecl,  and  fet  apart  fuch  daies 
which  our  Church  not  orcly  approves  of,but  alfo  appoints  for 
the  reading  of  the  Word  and  Prayer:  to  which  enjoyned  ex« 
eel  lent  exercifes,  many  preachers  of  good  note  do  joyne  ex- 
pedition of  fome  part  of  the  Scriptures :  for  by  thefe  publique 
ordinances  they  (hall  be  much  farthered,  and  made  more  fer* 
.vent  and  fertile  in  their  intended  fervice. 

Chap.   XIIII. 

Chrijlian  fouldiers  musl  foBdW  Chrifl  our  C  apt  tines  di- 
re fiitns,  (landing  in  thofe  ftations  therein  he 
fits  hs  to  W4rre  this  good  warfare. 

SOuldiers  continually  comply  unto,  and  alwaies  follow  the  Duty  9* 
directions,  and  discipline,   and  obfervantly  obey  the 
charge  and  commandements  of  their  Leaders  and  Lievete- 
rants,  of  their  Captaines  and  chiefe  Commanders :  in  their 
retiring,  or  rufhing  forward,in  their  fallies,  furprilalls,{t  an  ds, 
and  ftratagems,  intheir  fighting,  or  forbearing,  in  their  mar-  ztxm.Hfc 
ching,and  other  military  proceedings.   Anfwerable  hereunto  &&  ''*■  6» 
was  the  fpeech  of  valiant  F*lentini*n.  It  wasOyonfouidiert  chaP-6* 
(faith  he)  in  your  power  to  choofe  me  togoverne^  but  notv  lam 
tbofenojjoUy  it  is  in  my  porter  onety  to  eleft,  net  in  yours  to 
choofe  him  partner  of  the  Empire  whom  you  defire,    CMore- 

T  4  ever, 


l8o  The chriftUn Conflict.        CHAP.14V   • 

*ver%  itiomeetetbatyoa  wb 7  are  no*  fnbjebl  to  my  govern- 
ment to  belief.  and  for  me y    who  an  Enter  our  to  confider  ^4 
what  U  to  be  dons.   *s£**il%M  theRomane  Gsnerall  likcwuc  a 
Car.Cbrto.ia.   fiic|  puMikcly  to  the  people,  that  had  tbefebofen  am**  mors  A 
fit,  he  would  have  obeyed,  bat  if  they  wcxid  have  him  to  bee 
Captaine%  hee  defired    that  the  army  would    obey  bim>    and 
not  ta^e  the  office  of  the  (JeneraS  to  themfelves  y  nor  binder  him 
with  their  curio/tty  and fablet.    The  fouldiers  of  Tamerlant 
durft  not  turne  their  backes  in  fight,  it  being  contrary  to  his 
leave,  and  liking.    The  fouldiers  of  the  famous  Romane 
\tfor(uperejrc  SeipioyWCvei  fo  obfequious,  and  obedient  ro  him  their  Gene- 
jalutu  rail;  that  at  his  wifli,  and  willing,  charge  and  commandingt 

spemretulit  they  would  adventure  upon,  and  attempt  imminent,  yeaun- 
mvU  ni  minua  c@nceaveable  difficulties,  and  dangers,  foas  not  onely  toen- 
*£et  on™'  cum  counter  with  much  hazard,  and  little  hope,  upon  uneven  and 
piures  fervandi  unequall  termes,  fierce  and  furious  foes ;  but  alfo  violently  to 
frincipu  ergo  thro  w  and  tumble  themfelves  from  of  the  tops  of  Oeepe  and 
infanu  uitro  craggy  rockes  arid  mountaines. a  The  Perfian  (buldiers  were 
devoveantur  a-  fo  faitbfull  to  Zerxes,  that  many  of  them  fpeedily  and  volun- 
*u'4'  tarily  caft  themfelves  into  the  fea  to  Safeguard  and  prefervc 

him.    Hetter  Mocbintofcb  a  Scottifh  rebejl,  had  two  hundred 
fucfo  faithfull  Captaines,  that  life  and  liberty  being  offered  to 
them,  after  their  apprehenfion  and  arraignement  as  they  were 
BolinJIjAcotifb  going  tathe  gallowes,  conditionally  that  they  would  declare 
mfi.  and  tell  where  Hefior  was,  they  anfwered  they  could  not  tell, 

and  if  they  could  yet  they  would  not  by  any  paine  or  terrour 
of  death,  bee  induced  to  breake  their  faith  or  betray  their 
MarhnFranc  rafter.  Thofe licentious Locu(ls,and luxurious-Loyalifts,  the 
deveri.  lefuitesat  the  will  and  command  of  their  barbarous,  and 

bloudy  unnaturall  and  irreligious  Superiours  ,  murther 
rMeMari^n'  anc*  ma  fiacre  the  Lords  annointed  ones,  Kings  and  Prin- 
lib.  x.cti  ces  as  a  moft  memorable  enterprise.  The  fertfants  of  Abfolom^ 

and  the  fouldersof  Abamelecb  do  as  they  are  directed,  put  in 
execution  what  by  them  as  their  commanders  was  en/oyned, 
Iiidg.9.49.  2  Sam.  f  5.27.  The  young  men  of  loab  and  Ab- 
»*r,  at  their  affixing  and  appointment,  arofe  and  acted  fttch 
fed  and  forrow&U  parts  in  that  serrible  and  audi  tragedy^ 

where: 


r        tnat 
■  iNbed 


Chap.x4.         ThedbrijHanCinflicl.  281 

where  each  man  (heathed  his  fword  in  his  fellowesfide,  Co 
that  they  fell  do  wne  dead  together,  iS*m.\.\6.    Yeadifo- 
bed  fences  nd  unfaithfullnefle  of  fouldiersto  their  Chicfetaines 
and  Leaders  is  To  odious  and  opprobrious,  fo  criminous  and 
culpable,  that  by  the  law  of  armes  fuch  arc  to  fufrer-even 
death  itfelfe;  which  hath  beene  executed  upon  del inquenrs, 
not  onely  by  renowned  Commanders  for  faults  oftentimes    ~n9l  r   „ 
normanyandmeane.    Witnc(Te,CW/fx  Count  CMaumfclt,   ur/f. 
who  in  his  wars  againft  the  Turkes,  hanged  an  Hungarian  *Fiens  Tamer* 
horfemar,  becaufe  he  refafed  to  carry  a  faggot  todamneup  Uno    qwritur 
the  trenches  at  Sui^oniam.  *  And  Tamerlane  the  great, who  PauPercu<<* 
putafouldierto  death  for  dealing  a  little  milke  from  a  maid  may°num  $mi_ 
at  her  complaint,  contrary  to  his  military  precepts.But  alfo  by  Utibus  lac  ra~* 
enemies  themfelves,  who  having  made  ufe  of,  and.  taken  ad-  puijfefibi 
vantage  by  the  trecberies  and  treafons  of  fuch  unraithfull  and  {nwwrasp. 
fraudulent  fellowes,  have  rightly  repayed  them  withlofleof  coJj}efatirn 
life,asacondigne,  and  convenient  recompenfe  for  fuch  falfe-  ma5 
hearted  execrable  and  abhorred  performs.  Witneflc  the  ftrange      Raptorem 
and  dreadrull  death  of  Nicholas  Kerepfcben,  who  by  the  com*  la^  qusratut. 
mandementof  «5V/iw«/,was  put  into  a  hogfoead  of  nailes  with  lj?*fm 
this  infeription  :  Heere  receive  the  reward  of  thy  avarice,  and  f"*^0*?  tel- 
tre  rf/*w,Gynto  then  haft fold for  gold,  if  than  be  notfaithfull  to  peifera  ferro  * 
Maximilian  thy  Lord*  neither  wilt  thonbe  tome.    Witnefle       JguSju/laarh 
the  death  ofParefe  Fofter-brother  to  Kildare,  who  having  imrit  *">* 
the  cu'bdy  of  Mainoth  in  Ireland  betrayed  it  to  *Breretan  for   V??1*/1'**- 
Teward,   which  was  faithfully  paid,  and  then  prefcntly  the  p^'    pec* 
Hntrufty  traytor  beheaded.   Canute  the  Dane  commanded  the   %nZu  Turk 
traytor  Ednke  ofStroton  Earleof  M'ercia  to  be  put  to  death,  Mft* 
who  by  flight  had  purpofely  betrayed  Edmundthe  King,  with  Morif  Hifi.of 
the  Englifh  into  his  hands,  according  to  his  treacherous  pro-  ^anJ> 
mile.  In  the  Barons  wars  againft  King  Uhn,  they  (ent  into 
France  for  Lewi*  the  fon  of  the  French  K"ngy  to  whom  they  Stov?c  jn  King^ 
joynedagainft  their  Soveraigne^r.  The  Vi count  of  Melin,  l0^n' 
who  came  with  the  Prince  into  England ,  before  his  death  at 
London,  told  the  Barons,that  if  Levis  did  getthcKingdeme, 
he  would  banifli  oat  of  the  Realme  for  ever  all  thofe  which 
now  doe  take  his  part  and  perfecute  King/Viw,  as  Tray  tors  to 

their 


1 8  2  The  Chuflhn  Conflict. 

Stowe  R.j.      their  King.    Thomas  gottmey, and  M»  A/*/*r.*iw,the  more 
then  barbarous  murderers  of  Edward  thefecond,  had  alfo  a 

Scowe.  condigne  reward  for  their  crechery.    Swifter  who  betraye4 .' 

bis  matter  the  Duke  of  TSuckjngham  to  Richard  the  third  : 
His  fon  and  heire  waxed  mad,  died  in  a  boare-ftie,  his  elded 
daughter  was  ttricken  with  leprofie,his  (econd  fon  made  htne, 
his  youngeft  drowned  in  a  fmallpuddle,himfelfe  in  his  old  age 
arraigned  for  murder,  and  for  a  thoufand  pound  promifed  by 
King  Richard ,received  not  one  farthing,  the  King  telling  Uim 
that  hee  which  would  be  fo  untrue  to  fo  good  a  matter,  woufd 
be  falfe  to  all  other.  Worthy  to  this  purpofe  is  the  faying  of" 
Philip  King  of \Macedon,  If  any  Athenian  living  in  Athtns, 
doth  fay  that  he  prefers  me  before  his  conntrey,  him  verity  rvottli 
I  buy  with  mttch  money,  but  not  thinlee  him  worthy  my  friend" 
{hip.  *Bnt  if  any  for  his  conntrey  fake  (hall  haje  me,  him  mil  I 
impstgne  as  acafle,  a  ftrongvrall,  and  bulwark^,  yet  admire 
his  vert  tie,  *nd  reckon  th  e  city  happy  in  having  fucb  a  one.  B  ee 
we  therefore  who  are  the  fervants  and  fouldiers  of  the  Lord 
Iefiis,  ducifull,and  diligent,  obfervant,and  obedient,firme,and 
faithfull  in  our  generalland  particular  Nations,  and  (landings 
to  the  precepts  and  prefcriptions,  the  doctrines,  and  directi- 
ons, the  infractions  and  injunctions  to  the  royall  rules,  and 
divine  commandements  of  our  Supreme  Soveraigne  and 
chiefe  Commander  Chrift  Icfus,  Ephef.6. 1 4.  Stand  therefore. 
The  word  there  ufed  is  a  word  of  conflict,  implying  not  one 
onely,  but  many  and  divers  duties,  as  namely,  A  fouldier-like 
courage  in  ftanding  ftoutly  againft  every  brunt  ^hoofing  rather 
to  ftand  and  die,  then  ftirre  and  yeeld.  A  watchfull  vigilance 
by  which  heedfull  fouldiers  ftand  to  receive  their  enemies 
whenfoever  they  afoul t;Pcrfeverance,  ftanding  dill  with  ar- 
mour firmely  fattened, expecting  frefh  affaults,  and  more  con- 
flicts. And  a  conftant  abiding  in  ones  proper  place,  and  a  fct- 
led  ftanding  «i  ones  ranke,  not  going  or  gadding  into  each 
others  place,not ftartingafide or  ftraggling abroad  ;  art,  expe- 
rience,and  warlike  difcipline,  teaching  tliat  it  is  a  (belter and 
fafeguard  to  have  the  rankes  well  kepr ;  expert  Captaines 
therefore,  and  experienced  fouldiers,  are  confidently  carefull 

that 


Chap.  14.  TbechriJlUnCnflitt.  *?$ 

that  neither  themfelves  nor  other  ftep  allele ;  but  that  every 
fouldierkeepe  his  ranke  and  file  as  they  are  ranged.  Stand  „, 
therefore  ftedfaft,  rernaine  without  removing,  reft  without 
ittirine  in  the  true  Church  whereof  we  are  members,  where- 
in the  Lords  banner  is  bkffcdU',  and  bountifiilly,peaceably  and 
plentifully  difplayed  :  coi  fidemly  and  couTagiouQy  continu- 
ing conftant  in  retaining  our  pious  profcffion,  not  ftartmg  or 
ftraoolipo  from  the  fame,  for  gaireor  gnefe,  for  feare  or  fa- 
vourer profi:  or  peril!,  by  fchifmaucall  or  heretical]  fepara. 
,  by  timerous  an  i  temerarious  temporizing,  byapuitati- 
cvoksandbaclflidings ;  draggling  fcuildjcrslodSngthc 
fucccur  and  fafe-uard  of  their  captaines  and  the  aidefull  affi- 
fiance  of  their  fellow  fouldiers.  Stand  we  alio  liable,  and 
fiudioufly  obferve  ;  refolutely  reft  upon,  and  religioufly 
obey  we  Chriftlefus  our  Commander  in  thofe  ftations,  and 
(landing  places,  performing  in  them  fixch  wrticular  duties 
which  are  prefenbed  to  our  feverall  and  fpeciall  functions  by 
our  eracious  GcneraU.and  fupreme  Soveraigne :  or  whom 
we  may  fay  more truely, then  was  faid  ofCjrHijeA.fi  diligence 
^fHei^athedidnothke^eg/igentfami/ygovernourtegtve  fc 
commandements  in  gentr -*i%  fiyimgM feme fetch  water  Jit  feme 
cut  wood,  hut  that  he  give  commandements  tofxrttcuUr  per  font 
tj  name.and  rememhrtd  their  names.  Thus  Chrift  our  Cap- 
taine  in  his  holy  and  heavenly  Word  hath  aiTigned  and  appoin- 
ted felecl  and  fpeciall  duties  to  all,  and  every  one  of  his  fer- 
vants  and  fould  iers  feverally  in  his  proper  and  particular  place, 
and  (ration  in  which  we  muft  aiTiduouQy  abide,  1  Cor.7.20. 
carefully  and  confcionably,dutifolly  aiiddilig^nriy  ferv^gthe 
Lord  in  the  feverall  fundions  of  our  particular  calhngs,Chrifts  f^n™* 
precepts  and  Chriftians  defence  faith  Saint  Ambrofe. 

1    For  we  muft  every  one  be  accountable  to  our  Lord  ror 
fuch  duties  which  belong  and  appertain  to  our  particular 

P  a?Inthefe*e  gifts  and  graces  beftowed  upon  us  are  bed 
exercifed,  and  manifeftly  revealed. 

7  fox  thus  doing  we  deck,  adorne,and  beaotihe  the  Church 
aaibodyofari^  ^ 


284  The  ChriftUti  Cmflii 

\  4.  And  we  have  the  Lords  peculi 
inourdiftincl  and  proper  places,?/* 

Sect,  2. 

Parents  in  their  f  laces. 

f .  |)  Arents,obcy  we  the  charge  and  command  of  Chrift 
X  our  Chiefetaine  and  Captaine  in  our  particular  cal- 
lings.   Ofthefe  dntieefee  before ,  fage  - 

Sect,  $• 

Children  in  their  reverencing,  and  obeying,  grttifie 
their  Parents,  howandnohy. 

%.  ^^Hildren  doe  you  carefully  and  ChriftianJy  carry 
V^yourfelve6  in  this  your  callingjwbercin  Chrift  hath 
ranged,  and  ranked  you. 

Firft,  In  reverencing  your  parents,  thus  did  hfeph  bowing 
Jiimfelfetohis  ficke,  and  aged  father,  ^.48.  ia.  Thus  did 
reachlcfleand  rebellious  *s4bfolom%  2Sam.14.13.  as  well  as 
wife  and  vertuous  Salomon,  1  King.2.19.  This  being  of  ab- 
folute  neccflity  enjoyned  by  the  Lord  himfelfe,  Levit.19  3. 
and  generally  pra&ifed  by  the  beft  and  moft,  CMai.i.6. 
Heb.li.p,  tAfonne  honour eth  his  father ,&C.  We  give them 
reverence* 

Firft,  put  away  therefore  farre  from  you  O  you  children, 
all  manner  of  irreverent  and  irreligious  thoughts,  fpeeches, 
and  geftures  towards  your  parents,  and  be  not  you 

1.  Mockers  and  dcriders  of  them,  for  info  doing  youare 
certainely  acc.urfed>Pr^  30, 1 7.  Gen.9.  21.272.  The  eye  that 
tnockfth  hii  father  ^c. 

2.  Be  not  defpifers  and  contemners  of  them,  this  being  a 
capital!,  crimfbn,  and  crying  abomination,  E^e^.22.y.In  thee 
$he]&c.<DeSit.l'].l6.Curfed>&C. 

3.  Bee  not  yoqeurfersofyour  parents,  for  they  who  are 

fuch 


Chap.I4«  Thechr-iJli4nC$n$Sm  2Sj 

filch  are  children  of  death,  £xod  11.17.    ^wV.iC.p .  every 
'cne  that  cPtrfeth&C.  Pro.20.20.Mh  /amp?,&c. 
^.ConGderingthat  fuch  or  any  the  like  curfed  and  contempti- 
ble unchriftian,and  unreverent  behaviour  of  children  towards 
!  parents. 

1 .  Is  notonelyoccafioned  by  parents  lack  ofoften^andefr- 
neft  prayer  for  their  children  :  fey  their  light,  lafcivious,  and 
lewd  behaviour  in  words  and  geftures :  and  by  their  lack  of 
correction,  th-ir  indu  gence,  dandling,  and  cockering  them  as- 
we  fee  in  •s4do*i)*h,  Abfdom^xfA  Elies  fons. 

Secondly,  Butalfo  it  is  occafioned  by,,  and  argueth  in  chil- 
dren, 

1.  Much  pernitious  privie  pride,  finfull  and  fliamefull 
felfe-love. 

1.  And  abundance  of  ignorance  of  Gods  ordinance,and 
unacquaintedneffe  with  the  meaning  of  Gods  law. 

Secondly,  And  be  perfwaded  to  reverence,  and  rightly  re- 
medy our  parents. 

t    1 .  For  the  very  countenance  of  parents  ought  to  be  reve- 
rent,amiable,  yea  and  terrible  if  we  orflrnd  them. 
.    2.  For  they  are  your  betters,  yea  lb  much  that  no  image  fo 
reprefents  to  a  man  God  in  a  family  as  a  father. 

3.  For  whofoever  will  not  reverence  their  parents,  will 
hardly  honour  any  other  fuperiour. 

.  4.  Yea  thejdirane  and  duskie  eye  of  nature  prefleth  and  Contra  marc* 
perfwadeth  hereunto ;  Witiieflc  r*rf»//*>w/teftimonyofthe 
people  of  Pgntm  their  love  to  be  fuch,  th  it  they  did  eatc  the 
dead  carkefles  of  their  parents,  thinking  their  o  wne  bellies  to 
be  the  fitted:  fepulchers  for  them.  Witnefle  the  precife  pra- 
clife  of  the  *L*ctdew<i*i**s  reverencing  age  and  authority  by 
allmeancs :  and  Cieeroes  councell  in  his  orrices  to  youth,  to 
honour  and  reverence  the  more  ancient. 

5 .  And  in  the  fife  Commandement  naturall  parents  arc  fpe^ 
cified,  and  fpe,cially  named  rather  then  other  fuperiours,  al- 
though they  are  intended* 

1 .  Not  onely  to  fhew  and  fignifiethat  all  governours  fhould 
be  fatherly  affedted  towards  their  inferiours, 

a.  Not 


&6  The chrifiUm  Cwflttl.        Ch AP.r£  ; 

*.  Not  onely  becaufe  they  were  firft  in  planting  of  policic, 
and  propagating  pofterity.   '  *  "  1 1 

3.  Not  onely  becaufe  to  this  rule  the  reft  (houldbce/:^  r 
ihioned.  >f 

4.  But   alfo  becaufe  this  is  moft  acceptable  and  ami- 
able. 

5.  And  becaufe  the  contempt  and  carelcfle  keeping  hereof 
is  moft  againft  nature. 

^  Reverence  therefore  and  refpecl:  your  parents.  If  you  bee 
rich  your  parents  poore,  rcleeve  them,  yet  with  reverence, 
not  as  if  you  gave  an  almes  to  a  beggar  with  an  high  heart,  but 
as  a  termer  or  tenant  holding  in  Knights  fcrvice  payes  reliefe 
unto  his  Lord,  not  of  benevolence  but  of  duty.  Ifyou  be  wife, 
learned,and  politique,  your  parents  (imple  unlearned  and  ig- 
norant, counfel/,  advife,  inftruft,  and  admonifti  them,  yet 
with  reverence,  pra&ife  all  your  performances,  doe  all  your 
duties  unto  your  parents  with  reverence.  Gods  gifts  and 
goodnefle  to  you  may  not  canfe  or  incourage  you  to  vitiate 
and  violate,' to  infring  or  breakc  the  loyall  lawes  of  nature. 
For  this  end  and  purpofe. 

I .  As  parents  fhould  confcibnably  and  continually  be  care- 
full  to  procure  honour,  and  cfteeme  in  their  children  towards 
tbem.By  often  and  earneft,  found  and  fincere  prayer  toGod 
for  them  and  for  that  vcrtue.By  due  and  difcreete,fafe  and  fea- 
fonablc  correction.  And  by  grave  and  fober  carriage  and 
behaviour. 

2  .So  that  you  may  procure,purchafe  and  prefcrve  this  righ- 
teous, religious,and  remarkable  grace  in  your  (elves. 

1.  Ply  the  throne  of  grace  for,  and  labour  inceflantly  to 
plant  and  preferve,  to  compaffe  and  chcrifb  that  difficult  but 
divine  grace,  true  humility. 

2 .  And  accurately  acquaint  your  felves  with,  and  acquire 
with  all  affiduity  the  knowledge  of  Gods  ordinance,  and  of 
that  authority  which  parents  have  from  God,whofc  command 
and  charge  it  is  that  you  ftiould  honour  your  parents. 

Firft,  I  know  that  all  fuperiours  are  meant,and  called  by  the 
name  father. 

1.  Both 


S*  er'.s.  The  chrijiUn  Ctnflitl.  287 

1 .  Both  to  incitate  and  inticc  all  inferiours  to  obedience  by 
a  name  fo  fweeteand  favoury,  fo  amiable  and  authenticall,  na- 
ture having  taught  to  obey  fathers. 

I    i.  Asalfo  to  give  fuperiours  an  inkling  tobehave  them- 
selves like  fathers,and  not  like  raging  bedlams. 

Secondly,  I  know  that  fuperiours  or  parents  duties  areTn- 
cluded  in  that  commandement  although  not  expreffed,as  in  the 
fourth  precept. 

1 .  For  fuperiours  are  or  ought  to  be  obfervers  and  keepers 
of  both  tables,  and  therfore  their  duties  are  implied  in  each. 

2.  And  thcenjoyning  ofdutiesto  inferiours inforccth  a 
charge  upon  them,  the  law  being  two  edged  by  the  nature  of 
relation,  they  therefore  are  commanded  to  honour  infers 
ours  although  not  with  reverence,  yet  with  good  ufage. 

Thirdly,yet  the  duties  of  inferiours  of  children  are  rather 
named  and  exprefied  then  of  fuperiours  and  parent*. 

1.  Not onely  becaufe  inferiours  and  underlings  arc  more 
skillfulljand  mindfull  of  their  parents  duties  then  their  ownc, 
this  being  a  common  fin  to  be  skillfull  in  other  mens  duties.and 
notcurowne. 

3.  Not  onely  because  greater  inconveniences  may  accrew,' 
and  difcom  modifies  grow  by  negled  of  inferiours  duties,*as  by 
their  unnilinefle,ftubborneneffe  and  rebellion,then  by  the  tart- 
nefle  and  tyranny  of  fuperiours. 

3.  Butalfo  becaufe  inferiours  are  more  hardly,  and  with 
more  difficulty  brought  cither  to  the  knowledge  or  praclife 
of  their  offices  then  fuperiours. 

4.  Or  to  teach  them  prccifely  to  pra&ifeand  performe  thei* 
duties  diligently  to  their  betters,although  they  fhould  fruftratc 
theijr  expectation  and  faile  in  theirs  to  them. 

5".  As  alfo  to  manifett  and  make  knowne  that  all  fins  com- 
mitted againft  fellowes,  or  inferiours,  equals,  or  underlings, 
ire  not  fo  noyforae  and  notorious,  not  fo  great  and  grievous, 
jut  farre  lefTe  then  againft  fuperiours,  the  defacing  of  whom  is 
a  defacing  of  the  image  of  God  :  the  overthrowing  and  over- 
uming  the  order  and  ornament,  the  Rate  and  (lability  of  the 
world. 

Secondly^ 


288  The  ChriflUn  Conflict.  Chap.  14, 

Secondly, Tnyeelding obedience  unto  your  parents,tbus;  did 
■Jfa4ckyGe».22.7y%>  thus  did  lofipb,  gen.^j.i^.  thus  did  the 
daughters  of  Revel,  Exod.2m\~6.  thus  all  wife  and  vertuqus 
children  doe,Pr*.l  $. 1 .  and  thus  all  of  you  are  bound  to  doe3, 
Pro.6.iot%\,  23.22.  Epbef.6.1. 

Firft,Take  heed  therefore  unto  your  (elves 

That  you  doe  not  refufe  or'defpife  thejr  inftruc*tions. 

That  you  doe  not  denie  them  fervice,  arid  obfervance, 
tjteatth.ii.i'].  -w 

That  you  reft  not  m  faying  without  doing,  LflUttb.zi. 
30. 

That  you  doe  not  obey  them  unwillingly,  retchleflcly  and 
deceitfully. 

That  you  do  not  undertake  or  enterprize  any  thing  in  mat 
ters  of  weight  as  in  marriage  without  their  confent,  councdJ, 
advice,  authority,  leave.and  liking,  ludg.  1 4.2 . 

That  you  doe  not  refufe,  refitt,  or  withftand  their  cha- 
ftifementsand  corre&ions,Z><?*ff  .2 1 .18. 

For  in  dealing  thus  undurifully,and  difbbediently 

1 .  To  your  parents  prejudice  you  fhould  promulgate^  and 
proclaime,  That  their  example  wasevill,  and  behaviour  bad  in 
the  fight  of  you  their  children.  That  their  lacke  of  inft  ru&i- 
on,  Scclef.  30.2.  their  lack  of corredion,  Ecclef.  3  o .  from  v.i. 
to  14.  Pro.29.i$yij.  andlacke  of  care  and  confeience  to- 
wards you  was  greate,and  grievous.  That  their  licenfe,  and 
overmuch  liberty  given,and  granted  to  you^Scclef  3  o.  7,  p,io, 
II.  their  flotb,ea(e,and  idleneffe,  and  your  nice,  dainty,  and 
tender  education,  1  Sam. 2. 2 3.  1  Kwgti^£.  hathbeenein- 
fufferable  and  intollerable. 

a .  And  to  your  owne  difgrace  and  difadvantage,  you  ma- 
ttifeft  and  make  knowne,  That  you  too  much  accommodate 
yourfelves  to  the  counfell,  and  company  of  vile,  and  wicked 
men.  And  that  you  {hamefully  and  fmfully,  wittingly  and  wil- 
fully, erronioufly,  and  irreligioufly  are  ignorant  of  miftakingj 
and  mif-undcrftandingthe  Word  of  God,  efpecially  fucr 
Scripcures  as  thefe,Ge*>2,i4.  which  is  meant  in  regard  of  cot 
tiabitation,£*j^X4.2tf.  which  is  onely  a  comparative  fpeech 

(hewing 


S  e  c  t  .  3 .  7  be  Chrijtidn  C^fliB.  2  $£ 

(hewing  that  wee  mud  love  them  le{Te,  &a 

2.  And  be  perfwaded  in  things  lawfull  to  obey  your  parents 
%  i .  Commandements^although  they  may  feeme  unpleafing, 
and  unprofitable ;  you  owing  yourfeIves,much  more  your  fer- 
vice  unto  them,  you  being  in  regard  of  your  bodies  trie  good* 
of  yourparents,£A\2!.7.  M  i.i  a,  1 8.  And  although  your  pa- 
rents prererrc  you  above  fcrvans,yet  while  you  are  under  age, 
you  are  in  condition  asfervants,  and  put  asdircctly  (if  not 
more)  under  your  parents,  asfervants  are,  Gal.q.  1,2. 

2.  Counfels,be  content  t©  eate,  drink,weare,  lodge,and  bee 
imployed  in  any  trade  of  life  your  parents  will,  for  if  parents 
are  to  order  their  children  concerning  their  vowes,  and  mar-" 
riages,  much  more  their  callings.  But  they  are  to  order  their 
children  in  marriage,£*.  34 16*.  Dcm.j.s^i  Cor.j.3$.  fothac 
1  .Parents  may  in  fome  cafe  command  and  charge  their  chil- 
dren totake  in  marriage  parties  thusorthus  qualified,G£  1 8.i,» 

2.  Yea  fruftrate,  and  make  voide  contracts  lecretly  made 
by  children  without  or  againft  their  confent,  leave  or  goodli- 
king,f^W.22.i7.iV/i<»^30.6.D<r»r.22.28. 

3.  And  marriages  made  without  or  againft  the  fame  (al- 
though they  are  civill)  are  not  divine,being  repugnant  to,  and 
againft  Gods  commandement. 

Children  are  to  have  their  choice  to  their  content,  yet  not 
without  parents  direclion,in  being  their  owne  carvers,  for  in 
lb  doing 

1 .  They  oft  commit  adultery  in  not  being  able  to  W'aitc 
and  expect  a  good  election  for  luft. 

2  .And  they  are  guil  ty  of  rebellion  in  a  high  degree. 

3 .  And  corrections  yeeldir.g  obedience  to  the  fame  without 
rebellion,  or  refinance,  not  f landing  at  the  (laves  end  with; 
them, Htb.  1 2. p.  The  parties  corrected  were  to  lie  downe  in 
token  of  their  patience  fubmitting  to  their  defcrved  chaftife- 
ments,D<r«f.25.2.  Children  obey  therfore  your  parents. 

1  .Whether  they  be  naturall,and  you  their  fons,for  thus  did 
Sa*l,i  S*m.g.  3, 4, 5.  thus  did  David,  1  tow.  17.15,20,22,34. 
and  thus  did  the  Ions  o{Rechab,Ier.  3  5.6.or  daughters/or  thus 
did  RcMabyGcrf^.J  j  .and  the  daughters  of  Rt  vtLQen.iA  6 

V  2.  Whe- 


Ipo  The  chriflUn  Conflict.       Chap.  14, 

a.  Whether  they  be  parents  by  marriage  and  you  their 
fonnes:  For  thus  did  Usob,  Gen  a  1.6,38.  And  Mtfes,  gxod. 
3.1.  O  c  daughters,  for  thus did  Ruth,  Rmb  3*5,5. 

3 .  Or  whether  they  be  parents  by  adoption ,  for  thus  did 
Queene  Ester,  Eslsr  2.10, 10. 

1.  For  thus  to  doe  is  advantagious  and  gainefull:  Wit- 
isefle  the  prophetical!  and  patheticall  blcfling  of  Sent  and  /*- 
fhsty  (/<•». 0.16,17.  by  No*b\  Of  Rutbby  Boaz,  Rutht.u, 
12.  And  the  Lords  mercifull  and  manifold,  great  and  graci- 
ous promifes,  P™.i.S,q.  6.10,11,22. 

2 .  Yea  j'uft  and  equal  1,  Epb%6. 1  This  k r*gbt.  Coiof,  $ .  a  o. 
This  is  tre/l-plet/tag  to  the  Lor  J, 

3.  Whereas  the  contrary  is  not  onely  unfruitrull  and  un- 
profitable, but  alfo dangerous  anddreadfull,  Demeren.  21, 
i3.  27 \6. 

4.  Being  exceedingly  and  extraordinarily  fliamefull  and 
(Infullj/Va.lQ.irf.  £^.22.7.  Rom*  1.30. 

3 .  In  gratitude  and  thank  fulnefle  to  your  parents. 
i.  In  heart  anil  mind  acknowledging  Gods  mercy  in  gi- 
ving them,  and  by  them  breath  andbeingto  you,  joying  and 
re j eyeing  in  them,  deflring  and  willing  well  unto  them,  and 
truly  loving  them,/?*r£  4  ?. 

2.  In  tongue  and  wcrd,prai(ing  God  for  them,praying  unto 
the  Lord  for  them,  fpeaking  well  o*  them,  thanking  them  for 
their  benefits,and  comforting  of  them,  1  Sam.g.^.Pro.io.i. 
\ .  In  deed  and  really,  by  c'nerifhing,  relieving,  and  main- 
taining, delivering  and  defending  your  parents,  for  thus  did 
Jofepb,  Gen.^y.  1 1, 1 2.  Thus  did  Rab*i>  lofk.i.  1 2,1  3.  Thus 
did  Ratby  Rmb  2.1 7, 1 8.  And  thus  ought  all  to  do ,  <JMar.*j. 
11.  tJM«t.l$  4>5A   I  ^iw.5.4. 

You  therefore  who  are  the  Lords  fervants  and  fouldiers, 
do  you  abominate  and  abandon  fuch  irreligious  and  intolera- 
ble ingratitude  which  is  or  hath  bcenc  in  the  members  of  Sa- 
tan ,  and  fonnes  of  Belial  towards  their  parents ,  and  be  not 
like  thofe  mongers  of  mankind, 

t.  Who  re joyce  at  their  parents  difgrace  and  dishonour* 
Eccl.  Ml. 

2.  Who 


S*ct.$.  7he  ChriflU*  Conflict.  3£I 

2.  Who  grieve,  make  them  fad  and  penfive,  Prtfv.17.2r, 

N    ?.  Who difc!ofe and  difcover  their  fhame,  Gen.  ?.  2  2.  3  £« 
12.  4P-3,4.   Lev. \%. 7. Dent  2720. 

4.  Who  fraudulently  fbrfake  them. 

5.  Who  rob  and  fpoite  them,  6*»  51  30  Trz5f.28.24. 

6.  W7horebukt>check,andcontrollthem,i/^.45.io  Z*^? 

7.  Who  grudge  and  grumble  at  their  large  and  liberal! 
dealing  with  the  reft  of  their  children,  Luke  1 5 .29,30. 

B.  Who  cruelly  curfc  them,  Pro.  30.1 1. 

9.  Who  deny  them  reliefe  and  maintenance/^^?.  1  j. 

10.  Wbofhamefully  and finfully  fmite them, Eat«/.2M?. 

1 1.  Who  currifhi  v  chafe  or  divelliflhty  drive  them  away  , 
frov.19.26. 

12.  Who  curfcdJjr  and  cruelly  kill  and  deftroy  them, 
*Fro  19  26. 

2 .  And  be  inticcd  and  intreated  t(f glad  and  gratifie  your 
parents. 

1.  This  being  an  honeft  thing  and  acceptable  before  God, 

I77»f.5.4' 

a.  This  purchafing  and  procuring praife and  good  report, 
credit,fameand  commendation  from  men,  Ruth  2. 1 1 , 1 2. 

3 .  This  obtaining  the  prayers  of  parents  and  others  to  God 
for  you,  Ruth  1. o.  2.12. 

4.  Conlldering  that  good  and  gracious,  yea  kind  andnatu- 
rall  children  are  as  the  (taffe  and  ftay  of  their  parents.  Wit- 
nefle  not  only  the  fore-mentioned  particulars  in  the  Scripture, 

but  alio  the  practice  of  «^£w<#,  who  carried  his  father  Anchi-  Vhg.  &£nead. 

fes  upon  his  fhouldersout  of  the  overthrow  of  Troy  :  And   ''*•** 

the  conftant  care  of  young  Storkes  towards  the  old,  carrying 

them  to  food  when  through  age  they  are  dilabled  from  flight, 

as  *s£b*n  teltifies.  lib.ycap.i$. 

5 ,  Considering  that  you  were  born  of  them,  &  an  never  re- 
compence  them  the  things  they  have  done  tor  you>  £^.7.2  5 
.  6.  Confideringthat  parents  are  or  (hould  be  childrens  Joy 
and  glory,  Pro,  17^. 

"  V  a  7.  Con- 


29*  The  chrifiUn  Conflict.        Ch  AF.14. 

7.  Confidering  that  by  thus  doing  you  dial!  glad  andrc- 
joyce  your  parents, Pro. 2  5.14,35, 

8.  The  want  of  thankful neflfc  ,  noting  out  an  irreligious  J 
and  reprobate  mind>  Ezek^At.j.  Rom.  1. 30. 

p.  And  arguing  and  averring  men  to  be  fiifull  anlfhame- 
lefle  children,  Prov  19.16  Behave  your  klves  O  children 
like  children  towards  your  parents  while  you  have  them ,  no 
limitation  of  age  or  mariage  can  or  may  exempt  you.  lob 
kept  his  authority  over  his  children  when  they  were  married, 
and  exercifed  his  difcipline  over  them  fo  long  as  they  lived,  fo 
long  therefore  as  you  have  parents,  reverence,  obey,  and'gra- 
tific  them. 

SiC  T,  4. 

Husbands  muft  follow  Chrifl  their  Captaines  directions  in  h+ 

ving  their  wives  y  giving  them  due  benevolence^  giving 

them  honour ,  and  wifely  guiding  of 

them.  How  and  why. 

HVsbands  be  we  confcionable  and  circumfpecT:,  refolntely 
and  religioufty  to  ferve  and  obey  Chrift  our  Captainc 
and  Commander  in  our  proper  and  pecu'iar  place  and  (lation. 
Which  that  we  may  do, 

We  ought  with  all  aflfc&ionate  amiablenefTe  to  love  our 
wives ,  for  thus  doing  we  imitate  the  holy  ones  of  God ,  as 
lfaac  who  loved  Rebekah,  (jen^.6^j.  laeob  who  loved  Ra- 
he^Gen.zpiS  ,20.  Samfon  who  loved  the  Timnite,  ludg.14. 
Elkannah  wholoved  Hannah,  1  Sam.  1.  j.  And  dutifully  o- 
bey  thofe  many  pious  precepts  of  our  gracious  God,  Prcv.  5. 
1  8,  1 9.  'Be  thou  alwayes  ravifht  with  her  love.  £ccl.$.p.  Live 
joyfully  with  the  wife  whom  thouloveB)  dec.  &pb.$.i<;.  Has- 
bands  hve  jour -wives.  Verf.28.  So  ought  men  to  love  their 
wives.  Ver.gj.  Letevery  one  in  particular  fo  love  hie  wife 
even  as  himfelfe.  C°^lA9*  Husbands  love  your  wives  ,&c. 

To  love  is  to  be  fo  affected  towards  another,  that  we  covet 
well  to  him,  according  to  our  power  and  poffibility.  dowel! 

unto 


Sect.4.  TheCbfiftdnCMfliEt.  29^ 

urto  him  for  bis  owne  fake.  Thus  you  fhonld  love  your  wives 
O  husbands,  yea  as  Chrift  loved  the  Church,  whofe  love 
Hvas  true ,  fincere,  chart,  and  perpetuall :  fblikevvifefhould 
your  love  be  to  your  wives.  Whofe  love  was  (uch ,  that  he 
gave  himfclfe  for  his  Church ;  anfwerably  your  love  ftiould 
not  confift  onely  in  word?,  but  in  giving  and  granting  things 
neceflary  for  their  citate  and  condition, 

1 .  Thou  O  husband  art  the  male,  thy  wife  the  female,  ther-  nA   • 
fore  thou  oughteft  to  love  her.  Mtmu 

2.  Thy  wife  is  thine  owne,  every  thing  loves  that  which  is 
its  owne  :  fuch  is  thy  wife ,  (he  is  thine  ownefkfh ,  body, 
bone  of  thy  bone?,  and  thou  art  her  head,  £^.5 .28,290 

3.  She  is  the  next  in  werthinefle  to  thy  felfe,  committed  Non  gJ  jm^ 
into  thy  hand  by  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  fhe  is  almoft  mu/cimarhm 
one  perfon  with  thee,  and  wilt  thou  not  honourably  andlo-  Non  anciUam 
vinslyufe  fuch  an  excellent  creature  committed  to  thee  by  the  fortius  es9  fd 
Almighty?  <  nSSLmt 

4.  Thou  art  faflly  and  friendly  chained  and  combined  with  Cau.7,m 
many  couplings  and  combinations  unto  thy  wife.    As  for  ex- 
ample. 

1.  Thy  wife  is  a  meanes  peradventure  to  continue  and 
conferve  thy  life. 

2i  She  is  an  helper  to  thee,  (/*».  2.6.  to  repell  and  rid 
thee  from  many  toyles  and  troubles. 

I .  She  contiructh  to  thee  progeny  and  pofterity. 
4.  She  hath  left  friend  and  father,  made  choice  of  thee 
before  all,  married  her  felfe,  foule  and  atTedions  unto  thee, 
and  wilt  thou  not  love  her  ? 

y .  Thy  wife  is  a  good  thing,  Prov,  18.2a.  Wh*  fo  fndetb  4 
Dtife,  findeth  a  good  thing. 

6.  She  is  thy  companion,  MaLix\^%  yea  fb  as  to  be  fiefh  of 
thy  fefh,  and  fo  is  not  any  elfe,  yea  fhe  is  fo  a  companion  to 
thee,  that  without  her  thou  couldrt  not  live  but  comoerfomly ; 
whereas  byherthcuart  freed  from  many  cares  and  combers 
to  which  thou  haft  neither  skill  nor  will. 

7-S:ehath  committed  to  thee  and  tbytruft  hcrgooi*, 
perfon,life. 

V  3  8.  By 


2^4  Tfo  ChriftUn  ConfliB.         Ch  ap  .  14. 

8.  By  her  thy  infirmity  is  relieved,  by  her  thou  haft  conti- 
nualland  conftant  remedy  for  a  continuall  imperfection:  with- 
out whom  Satan  might  abufc  concupifcence  to  damnation,and      , 
therefore  thou  may  eft  fay  of  thy  wife  as  "David  in  another      > 
fenfe  of  Abt£*ily  1  Saw  2  ? .  ?  3 .  Bleflcd  be  my  wife  who  hath 
preferved  me  from  -filthincffe  and  fornication. 

Love  therefore  your  wives  O  husbands  as  your  felves,  in 
defiring,  feeking,  and  procuring,  in  preferving,  maintaining 
and  defending,  in  delighting,  Joying  and  taking  pleafure  in 
their  weak  and  welfare,  the  health  and  happinefle  of  their 
fbules  and  bodies^in  their  credit,  countenance  and  comfort,  as 
io  your  own  e. 

objeft.  1.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  we  are  forbidden  to 
love  our  felves,therefore  our  wives. 

Anfw*  For  Kyi.-™  is  allowed  and  approved, wherein  as  no 
man  can  go  too  far  in  liking  and  loving  his  neighbour:  fo  can* 
not  he  love  himfelfetoo  much  with  true  love.  He  who  makes 
an  idoll  of  himfelfe,  loves  not  himfelfe.  He  who  makes  an 
idoll  of  his  wit,loves  not  his  wit.  He  who  makes  an  idoll  of 
his  back  and  belly,  loves  neither.  He  who  makes  an  idoll  ol 
his  wife,  loves  her  not.  Becaufe  in  all  thefe  men  harme  and 
hurt  themfelves  and  their  wives,  and  fo  walk  contrary  to  the 
nature  and  property  of  love,  Rem.  13. 10.  i^Vr.ig^,  Nei- 
ther is  pi\**fie6  felfe-loue  (imply  either  commanded  or  for- 
bidden, faveonelyasit  fecludesand  feparates  from  the  love 
of  God  or  our  neighbour. 

Ob]eEi.i.  Say  not  beloved  brethren  many  men  do  prcpo- 
fteroufly,  iriordinately,  and  immoderately  love  themfelves, 
and  muft  they  therefore  fo  dotingly  and  fondly  love  theit 
wives  ? 

Anfv*.  For  fuch  is  rather  lufl  than  love,  rage  and  indul- 
gence, not  from  the  law  but  Iuft,  not  from  rectified  nature  or 
grace,  but  rather  from  vice  and  impiety. 

Objefi.  3.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  we  muft  love  our 
wives  more  than  our ferves,  became  Chrift  loved  his  Church 
more  than  himlelfeft 

A»fw\ 


Se  cr.4;  ThcChriflidnCtKfliZt*  29$ 

jinfrv.  For  Ohrift  in  loving  of  his  Church  which  is  his  bo- 
dy, loved  himfelfe. 

\*  O&jttt*  4.  Say  rot  beloved,  we  muft  love  our  wives  more 
than  icrvants,  children,  and  neighbours,  therefore  more  than 
our  felves,  fince  we  muft  love  our  neighbours  as  our  f elves. 

Anfw.  For  although  we  are  to  love  our  neighbours  as  our 
felves ,  yet  it  is  onely  in  regard  of  the  manner  of  love,  not  in 
regard  of  the  meafure  thereof;  or  with  a  gencrall  love  com- 
mon toallChriftians,asChriftians  :  But  we  muft  love  our 
wives  as  our  felves  in  regard  of  the  meafure,  or  with  a  cer- 
taine  fpeciall,proper,fingular,andconjugall  love. 

2.  Give  we  to  our  wives  due  benevolence,  1  Cor. 7. 3  all 
marriage  duties  eipecially,  bed  company  for  juft  ends,  in  chaft 
and  fober  manner,  expreiTed  by  fuch  like  phrafes  in  the  Booke 
of  God  as  thefe.  To  imbrace,  Eccl.  IJ.To  bruife  the  hen  fit 
*/  virginity,  Ez,e\:i  3.3.  To  fieefe'pitb,  To  lie  with,  I  Sam. 
1 3 . 1 1 .  To  lie  by,  Cjen.  3  7. 1  o.  To  touch  a  vomav,  Prov.  6. 2p. 
I  Cor'7' l '  To  k*o*  *  woman, §  en. ^.uTo  humble  her/Deu.%  1 . 
]  4.  To  drinks  waters.  Pro.  5.15.  Togo  in  unto,  Gen.  28  8.  To 
take  their  fiH  of  love,  Pro.  7. 1 8.  Which  aft  as  it  is  not  at  any  time 
to  be  done  by  fome  men  and  women ,  namely  Hermophro- 
dites,fuch  who  are  infufficient,'andknow  themfelvesfotobe 
for  generation  and  conception :  fuch  who  have  infections  and 
incurable  difeafes ,  and  fuch  who  be  mixed  and  mingled  in 
bloud  foneare,that  Gods  Law  forbids  them  marriage.So  there 
are  times  and  feafbns  wherein  husbands  cannot  performe  this 
duty  either  feemly,healthfully  and  law6iliy,as  there  are  when 
they  may  both  feemly,healthfully,and  lawfully. 

Not  feemely  in  the  fight  or  light  of  others :  But  in  fecret, 
and  by  themfelves. 

Not  healthfully  in  old  age, or  when  impotent,  weakened, 
wafted  or  confumed  with  ficknefle.  But  when  they  are  yong, 
ftrong,  and  healthfull. 

Not  lawfully  all  the  time  they  be  fingle,  and  not  joyned  to- 
gether in  law  full  matrimony. 

After  confummation,  when  it  is  with  the  wife  according 
to  the  cuftome  of  wemen. 

V  4  \yhea 


2  $  6  The  Chiflian  Confiifl.         Ch  a  p  .  14, 

When  they  give  themfelves  to  prayer  and  fading  ,  hei  2. 
16.  1  tor.7.5.. 

When  either  of  them  £hall  be  legally  and  lawfully  feparated 
from  the  other. 

3.  Give  honour  to  your  wives  a?  to  the  weaker  vefTels, 
I  Pet^.y.  By  anhoneft  care  and  refpeelfull  regard  of  them 
and  for  them  according  to  your  conditions  and  calling?. 

1.  In  defending,  delivering,  fafe-keeping,  fafe-conducl- 
ing,  protecting  and  preferving  them  :  You  therefore  are  cal- 
led the  vale  of  their  eyes,  gem.  %o.\6.  And  the  wings  of  your 
garments  are  to  be  their  covering,  ftiadow,  and  Shelter, 
Rnth  3.  9. 

2.  In  procuring  providently  and  cheerefully  for  them, 
and  allowing  them  all  manner  of  neceflaries,  comforts  and 
conveniences,  Exod.n  10.  //*.  4  I.  iS*w.i.8.  No  goods 
are  fo  well  fpent,  or  more  to  the  comfort  and  contentationof 
good  men,  trnn  thofe  which  arebeftowed  upon,  and  implod- 
ed for  the  fupply  and  fupporc  of  loyall  and  loving  wives. 
Whereas  thofe  who  rigidly  reftraine  them,  are  little  better 
thantheeves,  depriving  the  right  owners  of  Gods  bleffings 
and  benefits.  Granting  and  giving  their  honeit,  right  and  rea- 
sonable requelts,  E(ier 72,3.  1  Ki*%.l.i9.  Allowing  and 
approving  of  their  vowes,  if  godly,  Numb.  3  o.7>8,o. 

Epift.lib.Ki*  ?•  *n  bearing  with  and  tolerating  their  infirmities  and 

je;>.8  z.  imperfections,  (She  U  unfit  for  wed/ockey  faith  S.  Ambrofejvho 

dtferves  chiding.)  they  being  fuch  a*  may  be  winked  at ,  and 
fo  that  you  be  not  caufe  of  fin  to  your  felves  or  others.  For  you 
mad  be  apt  and  able  to  rule  and  regulate  their  affections ,  and 
not  (infully  and  fhamefully  yeeld  to  them,  els  many  inconve- 
niences will  unfortunately  follow.  In  reprehending  their  in- 
firmities looke  not  on  them  without  a  fight  of  your  ownc  and 
your  wives  vermes,  and  do  not  delightfully  bkze  abroad  your 
Numb.jo.7,    wives  faults  and  frailties ,  for  in  fo  doing  you  confpire  againft 

lo^-iSiiV   y°urownchoufes. 

5,7.  14.2  i]1  4-  You  ought  to  guide  and  governe,  inftruct  and  direct 
Eph.  $..  2$.  '  them  in  all  actions  and  affaires,  not  childifhly,  fondly,  and  in- 
«  Pct.5.7.        difcreecly,  behaving  your  felves  with  themtoyiflbly  as  with 

babies  2 


Sict.5^  ThechiJiUnC^nflilt.  2pj 

babies :  nor  bafely  and  bitterly,  currilhly  and  churlifrily  with 
harlhneflfe  and  rigour.  You  muft  therefore  behave  your  ielves 
ss  well  fatherly  as  familiarly  towards  your  wives,  governing 
and  guiding  your  houfes,  especially  ycur  wives;  as  preachers 
of  piety,  not  like  beadles  of  beggars.  Such  men  onelyare 
furnifhed  and  fitted  for  marriage ,  who  are  fit  for  govern- 
ment in  a  family. 

S  E  CT,    J. 

Wive  sin  their  Ant j,  tevereneing  their hwbandsy  being /tibjeii 
unto,  and  helpers  to  them,  after  what  manner ^nd  why. 

Wives,  although  you  are  not,  neither  is  it  expected  or 
expedient  that  you  (bould  be  for  martiall  matters,  or 
warlike  imployments,  like  the  ancient  Amizones  thofe  vali- 
ant viragoes  in  Anatolia,  twoof  which  women  Hippoliteand  Heil.par.oi. 
<Jto**#/y>f  fitters  to  Inti opa  their  Queene,  challenged  Her- 
culet  and  Thefetu  to  fingle  combat.    A  troupe  and  traine  of 
which  warlike  women  with  their  renowned  Queene  Ptntkt- 
file  a  were  prefent  at  the  warres  of  Troy  to  the  aid  of  Pria- 
tntu  againft  the  Greeks,  whofevertue  and  valour  is  fet  forth 
and  celebrated  by  the  famous  Hiftorian  Infline  with  much  ho- 
nour.- Or  like  unto  Camilla  Queene  of  the  Volfcians  iwho 
came  to  aid  Turnw,  whole  power,  pro  weffe  and  valour  were 
to  admiration  dekribed  by  'cVir^/intheclofeof  the  fevenrb  J^'1!^ 
Booke  of  his  kneads.    Or  like  unto  Tomyris  Queene  of  the 
Maflagetes,  whole  invincible  ai;d  unbroken  fortitude  and  ho- 
nourable conqueft  of  fo  potent  an  enemy  as  CyrH4  >  with 
whom  full  two  hundred  thoufand  fouldiers  are  defcribedby 
Herodottu  at  the  latter  end  of  his  Clio.    Or  to  *^frtemifi*  Herod.  Clio; 
Queene  of  Caria,  whole  excellency  of  Spirit  and  undaunted 
courage  to  the  admiration  of  Xerxes  is  fetdowne  at  large  by  InVrania, 
Hero  dot ia.    t)r  to  thofe  flout  and  fouldier«like  women  of 
Bohemia  which  under  the  leading  of  their  brave  and  bold  Va- 
lafia9  redeemed  themfelves  and  their  fex  from  the  tyranny  of 
Hien.    Slaughtering  their  barbarous  Lords  and  husbands,  pof- 

ieffing 


298  TheChriftlAn'Conflici.         Cka*.i4.-  5 

feflxng  themfelves  of  their  horfes,  armes,  treafure,  and  places    « 

HolinJ&.  of  ftrength.  Or  like  unto  thofe ancient  Scottifti  women,  who 

would  keep  rank  and  files,  and  be  ranged  in  battell  array  with 

$t9Wt  men,  or  like  Bundwcaof  Britaine  ,  a  woman  of  noble  birth, 

who  not  onely  with  much  honour  ruled  amongft  the  Britans, 
.  but  alfo  wastheSoveraigne  in  their  warres,  and  had  indeed  a 
ftomacke  more  manly  than  woman-like.  Yet  you  being  the 
ibuldiers  of  Chrift  Iefus,  doe  you  doe  iervice  to  Chrift  your 
Cheiftaine  ;   ftand  you  ftabk  and  ftedfaft,  and  fight  the 
Lords  battels  in  your  fcle&and  fpeciall  ftations  and  (landings. 
1 .  In  reverencing  your  husbands  both  in  thought,  word, 
and  gefture.    This  being  the  charge  and  commandement  of 
our  great  and  good,  of  our  gracious  and  glorious  God,  Epb.  5 . 
3  3 .  The  vnfefce  that  /he  reverence  her  husband.  TftL  45.  1 1 . 
Worfhif  thou  him.  He  is  thy  head  and  governour,  therefore 
reverence  him.  This  having  beene  the  cuftome  and  commen- 
dable cariage  not  onely  of  the  moft  modclt  matrons,  but  even 
of  many  of  the  moft  loofeand  licentious  women  amidft  the 
prophane  paynims  and  idolaters.  Witnefle  the  wife  of  TotU 
fhar9Qen.^y.i6.  Who  although  audacioufly  adulterous ,  yet 
refpe&ively  reverenced  her  husband  as  her  Lord,  Gen^j  \6% 
And  witneffe  amongft  others  the  wives  of  Turkie,  who  (  as 
HeiUn  affirmeth  )  live  in  fuch  great  refpeel  of  their  husbands, 
that  they  never  (it  with  them  ar  the  table,  but  wait  untill  they 
have  done,  and  then  withdraw  tbemfelves  into  fome  by- 
rooaie.  If  their  husbands  have  been  abroad,at  their  comming 
home  they  rife  from  the  jftooles  whereon  they  fate,  kifle  their 
husbands  hands,  make  obeyfance,  and  ftand  fo  long  as  they  are 
in  prefence.    This  having  beene  ihe.pious  and  praife- worthy 
practice  of  chaft  andChrHtian,  of  holy  and  heavenly  minded  I 
women  in  all  ages.  Witneffe  Abifhag  who  miniftred,  1  King.. 
X  ,6.  'Bathfheba  who  bowed  and  did  obey  fence,  1  King .1.20.  j 
%  I .  and  Sarah  who  obeyed  and  reverenced  Mr  Ah  aw,  calling  j 
him  Lord,G**.l  8.12. 1  Pet^.%y6.  Not  like  many  domineer-  1 
jng  dames  who  are  content  to  glad  and  gratifie  their  heads  and  j 
husbands  with  fome  verbail  titles  of  reverence  and  refpccl,in  fl 
.the  meane  time  ruftically,  ridiculoufly  and  rudely  ruling  over  jj 
L  them  •  j 


S  e  c  t!  j^  The  chrijiUn  Ctnfiitt.  299 

them;  hers  being  in  heart,  and  therefore  unfained,  teftified  by 
her  lubmifTive,hurrible  aud  lowly  fpeeches  and  dutiful]  obfer- 
vance.  This  being  not  onely  fitting  and  convenient,  profitable 
to  man  and  pleafing  to  God,  but  alfo  of  urgent,  and  im- 
portant neceffity,  man  being  the  wives  head,  Sph  5.23.1  Cor. 
II. 3.  the  woman  being  the  glory  of  the  man  as  hcofGod, 
X  C0r.1T. 7.  She  having  her  being  from  man,  Ver.  8.  beingthc 
weaker  vefTei  J, and  therefore  more  imperfect.  And  your  hus- 
barci^O  you  wives)  are  to  be  in  your  eyes  as  the  father  in  the 
daughters,  under  which  name  you  are  comprifed  in  the  fife 
comraandement,  and  by  which  you  are  called ,  Pw.3 1.29. 
Utfattj  daughters,  &c.  Your  husbands  jnuft  eftimate,  prize 
and  value  you  as  helpers  ;  but  you  your  felves  rruft  think  and 
efteeme  your  felves  as  daughters,  and  be  willingly  fubjccT:  un- 
to, and  refpeclively  reverencing  them.  Not  that  they  fhould 
hide  their  love  from  you  as  from  children, for  they  are  to  (hew 
it.  Not  that  they  are  to  correct  you  with,  ftripes  as  children, 
this  being  unwarrantable. 

Farre  be  it  from  you  O  you  Chriftian  women  to  walke  in 
thofe  curfed  and  crooked,fal(e  and  filthy,  finfull  and  (hamefull 
by-paths  trae'd  and  troden  in  by  many  irreligious  and  anrcve- 
rent  wives ,  denying  or  diiHaining  to  give  reverence  unto 
their  husbands,  or  doing  that  which  is  contrary  or  repugnant 
lereunto :  difgracefully  difdaining  their  husbands.  Difloyally 
difcovering  their  fhame:  Ridiculoufiy  reproaching  them,rna- 
icioufly  and  immorigeroufly  mocking  them  ,  or  currifbly 
checkingand  controlling  of  them.  The  carriage  of  fiich  not 
jnely  odioufly  oppugning  this  fore-named  duty,  but  alfo  tend- 
ng  and  turning  to  their  owne  ignominy,  fhame  anddifgrace: 
or  whereas,  and  when  they  fawcily  and  peeviftily  befoole  and 
lickname  their  husbands,they  reproach  them  (elves  ^acknow- 
edging  that  they  are  the  wives  of  fuch  abject  and  difdainefull 
merlons. 

Ob,  Say  not  beloved  fitters  that  Abigail  befooled  her  hus» 
>and,i  Sam, 2  5 .2$.Foffj  is  with  bim  >znd  that  for  it  (he  is  com- 
nended. 

An.  iJFor  neither  was  ftepraifed  or  wmmended  for  her  fo 

doingp 


3  ob  The  GhriflUh  Conflict.         Ch  a?  .  14 . 

doing,  but  for  her  wittie  pollicy  and  her  woncferfiill  wifdome 
in  finding  out  mcanes  to  deliver  her  busband  from  inevitable; 
dangers  he  had  brought  upon  himfelfe,   by  his  wicked  and 
dogged  anfwers  to  Davids  fervants. 

a.  Neither  doth  fhee  call  him  foole,  but  onely  alledgcth  : 
his  fimplicity  for  his  defence,  and  therefore  giveth  no  (hew  of' 
favouring  fawcy  fpeeches  or  contemptuous  carriage. 

But  doe  you  reverence  your  owne  husbands,  highly  cdec* 
mingofthem,  framing  your  affe&ions  unto  their  mind  as  toj 
your  fupcriours,  and  being  unto  them  as  delightful  1  ftars  ari- 
sing over  them  to  calme  and  quiet  them  at  all  times,  and  to  re- 
fresh and  renue  their  fpirits. 

Sccondly,In being  fubjed  unto  your  husbands,  gen.^.i6.thf 
de jlr e  Jh xtl  be  fnbjeR  to  thy  husband.  Sphtf.'y  a2.  Wives  fmbmit 
jour  felves  to  your  owne  husbands  as  unto  the  Lord.  I  Ttrn, 
3.12.  I  fuffer  not  anoma*  to  ufurpe  Authority  over  the  man, 
I  TVf.^.J.  LJkcyvifeyc  vivesbe  infubjeBun  to  your  owne  hm* 
bands.  This  your  fubjedion  Hiould  be  (incere,holy,  and  from 
the  heart  as  unto  the  Lord,  that  is,  toChrilt;  not  as  to  man, ; 
not  as  to  the  eye  compelled,  but  as  to  the  Lord  fincerely  I 
from  the  heart,  and  in  things  according  to  the. Lord  witfi 
allrcare,  even  tofuch  husbands  which  are  evil],  1  Pet.$.j, 

2.19. 

Away  therefore  with  fuch  proud  conccipts  which  pofleflc 
the  hearts,  and  fondly  feed  the  fooliih  fancies  of  divers  difor- 
derly  and  felfe-conceked  women,  who  perfwadethemfelves 
that  might  they  be  let  alone,they  could  rule  and  governe  bet- 
ter then  their  husbands:for  the  Lord  who  knoweth  all  things^ 
and  is  the  God  of order,hath  (hewed  and  fignihed  that  it  is  not 
their  place  to  guide  and  governe,  but  to  fubmitand  obey. 

Away  therefore  with  fuch  prepofteroUs  and  topfiturvy 
pra&ifes  and  diibrderly  doings  of  thofe  women  who  com- 
mand their  husbands,  for  although  fuch  women  thinke  it  their  j 
happineffb  and  honour ;  yet  in  truth  it  is  nothing  lefle^fwch  wo-j 
men  being  accosrnted  vaine,  and  men  feolifr,.  fuch  men  beings 
feminine  men,  women  mafculine  women;  fuch  women  being 
infelehtand  irreligious  leading  the  life  of  tsfekata,  as  the  pro- 

verbdi 


S  b  c  rlu  The  Chrijtian  cwflitt.  301 

verbe  faith,  where  the  gray  mare  is  the  better  horfe,  and  the 
matter  or  good  man  weares  not  the  breeches. 

Away  with  thatpeevifli  and  per verfe  difpofition, which  in 
many  women  denieth  fubmiffion  and  obedience,  for  a  wo- 
man's wifedome  doth  (hew  it  felfe  moft,  in  induring patiently 
a  rafh  husband.  A  womans  fageneffe  in  obeying  a  fool ifh  hus- 
band, awomans  worthineffe  in  bearing  with  an  unworthy 
husband.  Be  you  therefore  fubjed and  wife  in  obeying,  even 
that  which  they  oft  foolifhly  command. 

Of>.  Say  not  beloved  that  you  excell  your  husbands,  there- 
fore y  cu  wil  1  not  be  fab/eft. 

Anfa.  Forfofometimesdoe  children  excell  their  parents, 
Servants  their  matters,  fubjeds  their  Princes,  yet  may  they  not 
therefore  intrude  themfelves  into  their  betters  places. 

Ob.  Say  not  beloved  we  are  their  companions,  therefore 
will  not  be  fub/ect. 

*Anf*.  For  you  are  but  the  left  fide  ottbe  yokc,not  fellow 
beads,oneIy  fellow- helpers, 

Ob%  Siy  not  beloved  we  are  one  fkfti  with  our  husbands, 
vre  will  not  fubmit  therefore. 

Anfv.  For  fo  is  the  Church  with  Chrift,  yet  fubjeel  unto 
him,  Efftef. 5.2 2. 

But  r cafon  and  refolve  thus. 

I .  Doth  that  proud  difpofition  which  is  in  many  ofour  fexe, 
and  their  impatkney  to  be  fubje&,bewray  their  foolifhnesand 
folly,  overthrowing  and  overturning  the  order  of  nature  and 
of  Gods  ordinance,  running  out  of  their  proper  places  into 
dread  foil  di  (orders ;  defcrve  reprehenfion,  yea  and  more ;  for 
hereby  Gods  ordinance  is  prophancd,  and  polluted,  and  fo 
that  which  fhould  be  a  bleffing,  becomes  a  air fe,the  ordinance 
:hanged,  as  if  God  were  the  author  of  confufion,  and  many 
iiforders  fpreading  themfelves  fo  hereby  that  children  which 
[hould  be  a  blefling,  oft  times  prove  a  curfe,  and  that  holy 
brme  of  government  in  a  family,which  (hould  Tefemble  hea- 
ven, i<  become  a  lively  reprefentation  of  hell,  confufion,  and 
iiforder. 

2*  Doth  nature,  reafon,  and  religionftrivc  for^  and  give 

priority, 


3**  Thtchrifttin  Cwfitl.         Chap.  14, 

priority,  and  prchcmincncctimo  the  man,  and  finely  the  cor^ 
ruption  of  nature  enforce  women  to  exalt  themfelves.  Wit- 
neffe  fuch  like  fage  fay  inss  of  the  moft  grave  and  morall  natu- 
nTiwlS*'  ra]ifts'.  Th"'  hmfepleafeth  »**  >»*  wherein  the  hen  crovef,  tht 
quo  ^ttinl  €ocl^e  **ftltnt :  of  Socrates  who  being  demanded  to  ftew  bow 
cantatgallus  tr> governe  a  family,  went  home,  and  commanded  his  wife  tc 
facet,  throw  downe  certaine  veffels  full  of  oyle  and  honey,  faying. 

If  you  have  fuch  power  in  your  houfes>jo%  need  not  d*ubt  but  to 
leadeand  live  a  peaceable  and  quiet  life.    And  their  pra&ifes 
Torrefpdrtdent  unto  the  lame.     The  Perfian  princes  ordered 
and  decreed  the  punifhment  of  Paikti  for  her  difobedience, 
.andthefubjedbnoPvvoirienjE^i  9.  And  the  Romane  Se- 
nate banifhed  a  Knight,  and  imprifbnecl  his  Lady,  only  becauie 
fhe  faid  her  husband  fhould  notgoe  to  the  warres  with  SiB*. 
TSULpriwc'Ub.   WitnefTe  the  reclified  and  religious  Sentences  of  aanciencand 
z.cbap.6.  '       orthodoxe  divines    Saint  ^uguffine  faith,  If  the  husband  tj  in 
Aug.in  P/al.     fuijeRion,  and  the  wife  doth  rule,  the  ft  ace  uptrverfe%   if  the 
*4J*  wife  doth  fubmit  to  the  hush  and  rulings  the  peace  it  right  \   a- 

gaine,  yeoman  ii  not  made  of  the  feet,  nor  of  the  head  but  if  the 
fide, [0  that [he  ualmoft  fcfuati \  fignifying  that  Women  (ricuid 
1  neither  bear*  rule,  nor  be  in.  great  or  fl ,  vi(h  fiibjedtion,*  And 
witneflc  the  many  pioas  precepts  of  our  good  God,  and  the 
pra&ifes  of  his  peculiar  people. 

3 .  Is  it  equall  and  jait  that  we  fhould  be  fubjecl. 
i.  Becanfeofourfexe  we  being  more  tmper feel  then  men 
who  are  better,  and  perfefter  then  we  by  Gods  ordinance,.Wc 
being  inferioiirto  our  husbands  by  the  order  of  Creation,at  trx 
beginning  whereof,  be  Pore  the  fall  ;  woman  was  inferiour  ie 
inan,the  caule  ofherfubftance,  and  fhe  therefore  called  VyB*. 
fhee-man,  or  weaker  man,  receiving  her  being  froth1  i*ian3 
&4*\k&%.  1  Cor%i  1.8.  and  owing  fub/tf&ioh  to  man. 

a.  Becaufe  we  wives  are  created  by  the  Lord  for  others 
women  for  nKr\9gen.2.io.  1  0,7 1;8. 

3.  Becrufe  we  are  weaker  veflels,!  Pet.  3. 7.01x1  wksbeinj 
{tenderer  then  merrs/wc  therefore  are  nnfitter for  common  at 
fajres,and  our  bodies  weaker :  we  are  therefore  called  helpen 
or affiftanisjwhichare not  principalis :  and  thofe  good  part! 

whid 


Sect.?.  ThtChriitAnConftci.  50$ 

whkrrare  in  us,  not  been*  fa  good  without  a  guide ;  mens 
direction  who  arc  our  heads,  whofe  part  and  place  jt  is  toguidc 
md  gcverne  us  and  our  family,  as  ic  is  the  property  of  the 
lead  to  give  to  the  body  lite,  motion,  and  f* clings  there 
xing  an  excellency  b  them  furpanlig  ours,  as  gold  doth 
"liver. 

4.  Becaufe  wee  arc  to  bee  fub ject  to  them  as  to  the  Lord, 
not  by  mans  law,  but  Gods,  wee  are  tobeefubje&totbe 
Lord,  then  for  the  Lord  to  our  husbands,  and  in  our  husbands 
to  the  Lord. 

Tnen  fiirely  wee  will  fubmiffively  bee  fubjecl  to  out 
Dwne  husbands  according  to  the  goodwill  and  pleaforeof 
Dur  good  God. 

Thirdly,  In  being  helpers  unto  your  husbands ;  therefore 
jrou  were  created,  therefore  was  marriage  ordained, Gtn.2. 18. 
Jiat  man  might  have  one  to  helpe,to  paife  away  his  lifchonenV 
!y,fweetly,  godlily.  Be  not  you  therefore  like  Ev *h>  who 
perfwaded  tAdtm  to  rebell  againft  God  ;  wherefore  tlie 
kpoftle  faith,  *s4dam  was  not  deceived,  but  the  woman, 
[  Tim. 2. 1 4.  namely,  Not fir(t,not  immediately.  Not  by  Sa- 
han,buthis  lecondfelfe.  Not  by  the  Serpent,  but  his  Spouic. 
^ot  by  the  divell,but  a  woman.  Not  by  a  beaft,but  a  reafona- 
>le  creature.  Notbyaftranger,butafamiliar.  Notbyanene* 
nv,but  by  a  friend.  Not  by  a  lye,but  by  love.  Be  not  you  like 
oh  wife,tempterstoevill,  fob  a.$.  Not  like  the  wiyes  of 
**Lmon  who  turned  his  heart  from  <5od,  1  Kings  j  1.  4. 
for  like  the  wife  of  ts4h*b  who  indeed  him  to  evill,  I  King. 
1. a?. 

But  be  you  helpers  unto  your  husbands  all  you  can. 
.  I*  ,As againft tbdr  natural! infirmity,  1  C«r.  7.1. 

2.  So  for  the  generation  and  education  of  children,  I  Tim* 

.14. 

3.  Principally  in  piety,  in  things  concerning  a  better  life, 
CV.7.5.  1  Pet. 3.2.  winning, and  woing them  to  tbeobe- 
ience  of  the  Word,as  by  feafonable  and  pious  perfwafions,fc 
y  your  chade  and  godly  conventions. 

4.  As  alio  ia  matters  of  thrift  5  in  ordering  and  taking  care 

for 


3<H  The  chrifttin  CwjUti.         Chap.  14* 

for  houflhold  affaires,  thus  did  Sarah,  Oenefes  1 8.  6.  thds 
the  Apoftlc  advifech,  iTim,  5.  14.  and  therefore  com- 
mands wives  to  keeps  at  home,  Titles  2.  5,6.  to  bee  like 
fnailes  carrying  their  houfe  on  their  heads.  For  this  the 
good  women  is  commended,  and  by  this  defenbed.  Pro, 
JN  II.  The  heart  of  her  husband  dothtrttflin  her,  (b  that 
hee  never  doubts  of  her  chaftity,  fecrecy,  or  care  in  looking 
to  her  family.  Hee  JhAll  have  no  need  of  jpoile ,  for 
ftiee  will  furnifh  and  fill  his  houfe  with  things  needfulJ, 
and  delightfome ,  fo  that  hee  (hall  want  no  neceffaries, 
for  which  hee  needeth  to  rob  or  fpoyle,  /hee  ni&  doe  him 
good.  For  (bee  is  conftant  in  her  love  to  him  in  youth, 
age,  profperity,  adverfity,  fickeneffe  and  health,  and  will 
do  him  what  good  free  can  in  his  body,  foule,  goods,  and 
eftate  ;  (hee  providing  fuch  food  which  may  nourifh 
him,  free  ftirring  him  up  to  ferve  God  ,  fhee  faving 
his  goods  as  much  as  is  potfible  ;  fhee  not  lowring  on 
him  with  her  lookes;  (hee  notcroffing  him  in  her  words- 
{hee  not  vexing  him  by  her  deeds  :  If  fhee  know  any 
thing  pleafe  or  profit  him,fhee  going  about  it  fpeedily  :Iffhee 
perceive  ought  to  offend  him,  fhee  carefully  avoiding  it. 

Sect.  6\ 

Servants  in  then 7,  reverencing  theirntaslers  fer/wa- 

dingthem  to  goody  obeying  of '  t  bent,  how,  and 

motives  to  the  particulars, 

SErvants  be  you  continually  carefull,  confeionably  in  youi 
prober  and  peculiar  places  to  ferve  the  Lord  Chrift,CW.3 
*4«  and  to  war  this  good  warfare. 

1 .  Reverencing  and  refpe&ing,  honouring  and  hjghl] 
eftdeming  of  your  matters,  whether  they  bee  poore  or  rich 
good  or  bad.  Thus  didlakpfo  fervants,  (jen.  3  3 .6, 7.  Naaman 
fervants,  2  King,  5.3,13.  Aha/huerui  his  fervants,  Sfter  3 . 1 
and  this  is  the  will  and  command  of  our  good  and  gratiou 
God,9**.i6.$.  1  Tim.6*u  A£aLi.6» 

a.  Prcffini 


Sic*;  7.  The  Chrifthn  Cwjliti.  $  i  y 

3.  Preflingand  perfwading  your  mafters  to  things  honeft 
and  neceflary,  pious  and  praife- worthy ,1  Stfw.28.23. 2  Sam. 

Ip.5.  M--  **wfc«**J- 

3.  Serving  and  obeying  them  in  all  things,  CV.  3.21. name- 
ly which  are  lawful  I,  Cjen.^^.j.  which  are  poffible,G*«.*3., 
7,8.  which  arc  profitable,  1  Chron. HAJ.  and  proportio- 
nable to  your  abilities,  Exod.$.y.  or  in  a  word,  in  all  things 
wherein  y oh  are  to  be  fubjeel  and  ought  to  obey.  Impious  in- 
junctions of  mafters  may  nor,  1  Saw. 2 2. 17.  impoilible  need 
not  to  be  obeyed;  ferve  trier  fore  you  Chriftian  fervants  your 
mafters. 

1.  Whether  they  be  good  and  gracious,  I  Ttm.6. 1,2.  for  as 
&ch  mafters  are  mere  worthy  of  reverence,  refpeft,  (ubmiili- 
on  and  fervice,fo  are  you  more  obliged  to  be  obfequious  and 
officious  unto  them,not  only  by  their  charitable,  and  Chriftian 
uf age  of  you,but  alfo  by  the  Lords  precife  precept,  1  Tim .6. 2* 

2.  Or  bad,  cruell,  erode  and  unconfcionable,  1^^.2.18, 
the  ordination  of  God,  and  not  the  worthineffe  of  your  ma- 
ilers being  the  prime  and  primary  fountaine  and  foundation  of 
this  your  fervice,and  office. 

And  do  you  ferve  and  obey  them 

1 .  With  all  diligence.  Thus  did  U\yb  ferve  Lab  An  with  all 
bis  power,  Gen. 3 1 .6, 1 8,40,41 .  and  thus  fhould  all  doe  fer- 
vice,  Tr*.  3 1.15,1 8.  and  with  all  carefullnefle.  Thus  did 
idbrMhams  fcrvant  obey  him,  GVa.24.33.  18.7.  Thus  the 
Ccnturiens{zx\znt,M'at%%  p.And  thus  ought  all  to  ferve  their 
mafters,P/;i2  3.2.  5<w».i2.n.  not  being Qothfull  in  bufinefle. 

1 .  For  thus  doing  you  (hall  enrich  your  matters,  Prov. 
10.4. 

2.  You  (hall  be  profitable  and  advantagious  unto  them,  Vv 
14.23. 

3.  Which  you  ought  to  bee,  you  being  wholly  your  ma- 
fters. - 

4.  And  by  fb  doing,  your  mafters  although  curfedly  cove- 
tous, and  miferable  muck- wormes,  will  be  loath  and  unwil- 
lingtoforgce  you  being  gainefull  and  thrifty,  1  Kings  2^0. 

X  5.  Nei- 


306  The  Chrifthn\Confli8*         Ch  a?  .  14. 

5.  Neither  can  you  your  felves  be  loofers  in  fo  doing,  Pre  A  ft 

6.  Whereas  on  the  contrary,  by  corrupt  and  curfcd  idle- 
He{Te,flotb,  and  negligence,fcrvants. 

1.  Become  brethren  to  thofe  who  are  great  wafters,  Pro. 
18, 9 

2.  They  make  themfelves  to  differ  penury,  TV*.  13.4, 

3.  They  are  ever  kept  lowe,  Pre,  12.24.  their  courfe  of 
lire  being  as  an  hedge  of  thornes,  flow  and  hard,  they  being 

E  ricked,  and  flayed  with  feares  and  griefes  as  with  thornes  and 
riars,JV#.i5.i£. 

4.  They  occafion  alfo  unto  their  matters  continual!  griefe 
and  vexation,  like  tart  viniger  to  the  teeth,  and  fmothering 
fmoake  unto  the  eyes,  Pre.  10.16, 

Secondly,  with  all  fealty  and  fidelity.  Truly  and  faithful- 
ly doing  fervice.  Thus  did  Abrahams  fervant  obey  his  matters 
repaft,giving  place  to  faithfollnefie,  tfrw.24.33.  fo  Lttk.ij. 
7,8.  Thus  did  £>4z>#WferveS4*/,i  Saw.i*.  14. 26.8,9,10  n. 
Thusdid  Ieah kxvcDavid>\  S*m.i2.2j>t$.cZ>*me/thc King, 
2)<f».6,4.and  thus  fhould  all  you  obey  your  mailers,  Num.  1 2. 
7,  Jipbefj6. 5 .  Titus  2 . 1 0. 

1 .  Abhorring  and  avoiding  all  fawning  flattery  and  dire- 
full  diflimulation. 

2.  Shunning  and  efche wing  all  loathfome  lying,  and  diabo- 
licall dcccitfull dealing,  zS*m.\6.\%*t$.  19.26,27.  %  King. 

>.22. 

3.  Not  -being  wicked  waders  of  your  matters  fobftance,. 
M4t.24.40;L*k.i6.i. 

4.  Nor  theevifli and untrufty,pilferers  and  purloyners  from 
your  maflers,T*>w  2.1  o. 

1.  Such  unfaichfoll  fervants  being  of  their  fctherthe  divel, 
iM.8»44. 

2.  Being  worfe  then  high- way  robbers,cheating  and  cou- 
fening  thofe,  who  confidently  commit  their  fubftance  into 
tbeirhands. 

3.  And  taking  the  ceadyroade,  and  traced  way  to  blatt 

their 


Sect.&  TheCbtljlidnCdfifiitl.  307 

their  other  fubftance,  begger  their  poftcrity  (fuch  goods  of 
fraud  wanting  a  bleffing  to  thrive  unto  pofterity)  and  darnr.e 
their  owne  foules. 

Otjefl,  Perhaps  the  fubtill  ferpent  and  your  curfed  corrupt 
nature  follicites,  and  pcrfwades  you  to  proceed  in  fuch  pefti- 
lent  and  peftifereus  pilfering  courfes,  by  fuch  like  ter- 
pentine feducements  and  fupplanting  fopbiftications  asthefe 
following. 

1 .  None  knoweth  of,  or  is  privie  unto  your  fraudulent  and 
guilefull  curfed  conveyances  of  your  mailers  wealth  into  your 
owne  purfes,  for  yeu  may  fell  of  your  mafters  goods ,  and 
referve  part  to  your  fclves,  they  nor  any  clfe  taking  notice 
thereof 

2.  You  may  take  thefe  and  thofe  things  which  may  well 
be  fpared,  there  being  water  enough  in  the  fea ;  your  mafters 
having  fo  great  abundancc,may  well  part  with  fuchtriviall  and 
trifling  matters  without  any  great  detriment  or  dammagc,  if 
any  at  all  unto  them* 

3 .  And  although  (they  being  but  light  matters)  the  lofle  of 
them,  (being  fb  little  as  not  to  be  mifled  in  fuch  abundance) 
damnifieth  little  or  nothing  your  rich  mafters,  yet  they  much 
advantage  and  profit  you  who  want  abundance. 

4.  Befides,  fuch  and  fuch  things  arc  but  trifles,  and  of 
ro  great  moment :  goe  on  therefore  and  walke  in  thefe 
gai  -chill  and  adva;itagious  paths  leading  to  profit  and  en- 
riching :  and  bee  not  difcouraged  or  difheartnedfronn  the 
fame  by  the  pra&ice  or  perfwafion  of  the  precifer  fort  of 
people. 

4*f*.  Yet  be  not  you  mifled  by  thefe  or  fuch  like  firenian, 
and  finfull  inchantments. 

1  For  admit  that  no  mortall  eye  beholds,  neither  dothany 
man  nke  notice  of,  or  is  acquainted  with  thefe  damnable 
qiffimulations,  deceitfull  dealings,  lyes,  fraudes,  and  for- 
geries yet  all  thele  curled  carriages  are  open  and  apparent 
to  the  thought  fearching  Iehovah,  whole  eye  is  in  every 
place,  Pr  0. 1 5.  3.  and  to  their  own  conferences,  which  if  they 
condemn  them  God  is  greater,i  /oht^i<^» 

X  2  a. Neither 


508  The  Cbrifllm  Conflict.       Chap  .14. 

a.  Neither  may  any  mans  abundance  encourage  andex* 
citate  others  by  fraude  or  force  to  appropriate  their  allowance  I 
unto  them  (elves. 

1 .  For  you  are  not  able,  neither  doth  it  belong  to  you  to 
judge  what  other  men  may  well  fpare. 

2.  Should  every  man,  who  may  as  lawfully  take  from 
your  wealthy  matters  fuch  like  thir.gs,  they  would  be  difabled 
from  much  or  any  fparing. 

3.  And  although  rich  men  may  fpare  much,  yet  this 
makes  it  not  lawfull  for  others  to  apply  and  appropriate  their 
fubftance  to  themfelvcs,  in  whole  or  in  parr,  indiredly,  and 
unjuftly. 

4.  Neither  fhould  men  be  their  owne  carvers,  no  not  of 
thofe  fuperfluities  which  may  well  be  fpared. 

5.  Achat*  might  well  have  pleaded  this  plea,  affirming 
that  he  took  nothing  but  that  which  might  well  be  fpared,  yet 
he  and  his  peri(hed,and  worthily, !o(b.j. 

6.  Neither  can  any  mans  fubftance  be  refembled  rightly 
to  the  fea:  The  water  of  it  being  common;  And  there  being  no 
poffibility  for  all  the  world  to  evacuate  and  exhauft  the 
lame. 

5 .  As  for  the  game  they  get,  the  profit  they  procure  by  fuch 
accurfed  additions,  its  like  the  Eagles  ftolne  facrifice  from 
the  altar,  which  cruelly  confumed  both  neft  and  young :  like 
an  infe&ed  garment  Itolne  out  of  a  plagued  peft-howfe,  fud- 
denly  (ickning,and  fweeping  away  the  whole  family  :  or  like 
a  flaming  firebrand  thruft  into  thethatch,which  presently  runs 
over,  and  tuines  a  beautifull  and  well  built  houfe,  Zach. 

5.  3- 

4.  And  whereas  fom£  thinke  them  toyes  and  trifling 
matters. 

1,  They  are  trifles  only  comparatively,  a§  for  example,  a 
{hilling  with  fome  is  but  a  trifle,  with  others  great  treafure : 
thus  Achfint  theft,,  although  the  gold  and  filver  was  an  1 00 1, 
was  but  a  trifle  in  comparifon  of  the  extraordinary  abundance 
that  was  in  Ieriehe,  yet  for  this  trifle  he  and  his  did  miferably 
jperi{h,/*/&.7.25>2& 

ft.  Arc 


S  £  c  t  .  6.  The  CbMJlidn  CttifliZ}.  5  b>. 

2.  Are  they  but  trifles?  And  will  you  for  trifies  offend  and 
difliononr  God  ?  will  you  for  trilks  wound  your  owne  con- 
sciences? will  you  for  tribes  hazard  thelofle  of  your  owne 
foules  ?  monftrcus  and  barbarous  bafenefle. 

3 .  Such  who  Mick  not  urjuftly  to  take  trifles,  will  not  tee 
iqutamifli and  fcrupulous to  fteale greater  matters  when  op- 
portunity c rfcreth  occcaMon  of  fo  doing,  Lttk.  1 6.10, 1 1 ,  r  - . 

4,  Such  furreptitious  feezing  on  other  mens  fubftance,  is 
theft,  therefore  fin,  and  cannot  be  a  trifle,  all  fin  being  infinite. 

Whereas  on  the  contrary,  raithfullnefle  of  fervants  cowards 
their  mailers. 

Vi  Makes  themashealthjTro.i^.iy. 
1.  And  wilUaabliil=ithe!Pforever,Pr^.i2.Tp. 
Thirdly,  with  chearefullneffcyeadinefle,  and  willingnefle. 
Thus  did  l)avids  fervants,  2  Sam.  1 5 . 1 5 .  Thus  did  lonathant 
lad,  1  S**.io.  39,40  .Thus  the  Centurions  fervants,  Kjiiat. 8. 

7.8.  And  dius  fhoiv\d  all  doe  fervice,  Ephef.6.f$.    Ccl* 

Fourthly,  with  wifdome,  prudence  and  difcretion,  wifely 
-doing  fervice.  Thus,  (7^41.33.  Let  Pharaoh  foekf  out  4 
wife  and  difcreet  man,  Maub% 2445 .  Who  is  a  mfe  and  faith- 
fullferv&nt  t  Be  rot  therefore  like  fuch  fottifh  fervants  who 
can  doe  nothing  but  what  is  commanded  them  :  but  fo  wife 
as  to  prevent  your  matters,  7*/*/.  123.1.  acquainting  your 
fclves  with,  and  well  knowing  your  maflers  inclination,  Luk% 
1 6-$.  Doing  their  bufineffe  in  due  fcafon,  <jtn%\  1 .38,39,  like 
lii.co  lofepbyGen.  39.  ?.' 

I .  For  Inch  fhall  find  favour,  Pro .  1435. 

1.  Such  fhall  find  much  good,?™.!  6.  ;o» 

3.  And  beare  rule  yea  over  fonnes  which  caufc  {harae,Pr*. 
17.2. 

Fiftly,  with  patience,  mildnerTe,and  much  meefcncffe,77r«i 

2.9.  I  7V/.2.20. 

1.  Thus  doing  you  (hall  appeafe  and  affwage  wrath,  Pro. 

2.  Such  obedience  being  acceptable  unto  and  approved  of 
the  Lord,  1  frf.2.10. 

X  3  Sixthly; 


310  The  chriftUn  ConfliSt.       Chap.i^ 

[Sixthly,  With  minde  and  body  both,fo  that 
i.  You  muft  love  your  maftcrsmore  then  other  ordinary 

men. 

2.  Your  mind  muft  be  towards  the  perfons,  goods,  credir, 
comfort,  and  welfare  of  your  matters  and  their  families. 

3.  And  your  memories  muft  be  imployed  to  put  your  ma- 
tters matters  in. 

Seventhly,  Not  with  eye  fervice  or  for  wages  only,hut  for 
confcience  fake,  O/.g.ai.  as  unto  the  Lord,  Ephi[.6.  $,& 
eye  fervants  who  will  do  nothing  longer  then  they  arc  looked 
on,  the  mafters  eye  feeding  the  horfe;  or  who  (lubber  over 
things  for  the  eye  onely :  I  Are  unfaithfull  and  evill  fervants. 
2  Rebelling  againft  Gods  mod  holy  will. 
tMoiivti*  Be  perfwadcd  O  you  who  are  fe  rvants,  thus  to  do  fervice. 
Firft,  Since  our  good  and  gratious  God  doth  fo  fatherly  and 
favourably  regard  you,as  to  order  and  appoint 

1 .  That  you  may  fometimes  reft  from  toylefome  labour, ' 
fwectl  y  and  favingly  to  enjoy  and  ufe  the  gratious,  and  glad- 
fome,favoury  and  feule-ravifliing  meanes  of  reconciliation, 
fpirituall  repaft,  reparation  and  refection, 

2.  That  you  may  be  guided  and  governed  without  harfh* 
rjefle  and  horrour,  with  all  comfort  and  conveniences  concer- 
ning the  good  and  welfare  of  yourfoules,  and  bodies, Lev. 25. 

Secondly,  Since  in  fo  doing,  you  {hall  purchafe  and  procure 
credit,honour,and  eftimationunto  your  (elves, Pr*.\  7,2:. 

Thirdly,Since  fuch  fervants  have  many  fweet  and  (bule-ra- 
vifhing  promifes  annexed  and  afcertained  unto  them,  <JM*ttb% 
14.4(5.   25. 21. 

Fourthly,  Since alfo  in  thus  doing  you  are  the  Lords  free- 
men, 1  Cor%y,2  2.  and  in  your  ftations  and  ftandings,  you  fight 
the  battels  of  Chrift,doing  him  fervice,£i/.  3 .24, for  which  he 
will  richly  reward  youySpbe/.S^. 


Sect. 


S  b  c  t  .  f.         7  be  ChriftUn  fMJ!i89  j  x  1 


Sect.  7. 

\J\Ulfcrtinilmrs,  In  well  c  hoofing,  and  weSuJtng 
their  ferVMts. 

M  Afters  you  are  or  ought  to  bee  the  Lords  fervants^ 
1  Cor,  j  22.  The  Lord  hath fet  you  higher  then  your 
brethren,  that  you  lhould  the  more  honour  him.  Doe  you 
therefore  in  this  place  wherein  you  are  called,  abide  with 
CSod,  doing  the  Lord  fervice,  and  fighting  his  battells  in  your 
particular  ftations  and  (landings. 

Firftjn  making  a  wife  and  wary  choice  of  fervants,to  mar- 
tiall  and  rnannage  as  (Thrifts  louldiers  in  your  families,  refpe- 
cling,regarding,and  requiring. 

1.  Not  onely  aptneffe  and  ability  to  execute  their  office 
and  performe  that  fervice  whereunto  they  fhall  be  pat,  al- 
though this  is  neccfTary,(7**.47.6.  iSamj^i.  16.16,17. 

1.  Not  onely  wifdome,difcretion,trutb,fidelity,  diligence, 
and  fuch  other  praife-worthy  properties  and  commendable 
qualities  in  fervice,  although  thefe  are  convenient,  expedient, 
andtobedefired, (^^.41.35,38,3^.   \S*m.\%  j. 

5 .  But  alfo  if  not  chiefly, principally  and  above  all  the  fearc 
of  God,  true,  and  found  religion,  not  onely  in  regard  of 
profeffion,  but  alfo  in  regard  ofpra&ice,  C/^.24.  fuch  was 
e^^4wifcrvantxfuch/^^/,43.23.  thus  were  thelewes 
fervants  to  be  qualified, Exod.  1 2  44.fuch  fcrvants  only  would 
David  have^nd  harbour, Pf*l.  101.6.  fuch  were  the  fervanu 
ofCor*e/iw,tsf8.io.j.  and  raithfull  men  are  fuch  as  you 
£hould,and  ought  to  choo(e,namely 

1 .  Not  onely  men  loyall  true  and  trufty,  Provtrbet  1 1 . 1 3^ 
25.13. 

1.  Thefc  being  alwaies  carefull  like  fofepb,  gen.  42, 
40. 

2.  And  painefullcvcr  &Iab&,  £<».3i. 38,39,40. 

X  4  Secondly, 


7\ 

312  7  be  ChriJIUn  ktnfiiB.  Ch  af  .  14. 

Secondly,  Butalfomcn  who  are  religious  Fearing  God,  of 
found  judge menr,and  (incere  affe&ion,  Pretio.6.  Hof.x  \  .1 2. 
Afts  16.15. 

t.  For  faithftill  in  that  place  arc  oppofed  to  Co  many  feve- 
rall  forrs  of  (infiill  men. 

2.  The  generall  comprehends  the  fpedall. 

3.  And  thefe  who  are  religious  are  faid  to  walke  in  the 
pcrfecl  way. 

Ob.  1 .  Say  not  beloved  brethren,Godly  fervants  are  hard  to 
comeby,for  who  can  find  a  faithfull  man?  Prt.20,6.  mint*  24, 
2  5 .  therfore  we  will  not  feeke  them. 

Anfa>A*  For  although  it  is  truey  qadtchkr*  r*rst%  piecious 
things  are  hard  to  corne  by,  yet  they  who  feeke  them  may 
find  them.- 

2 .  The  fewer  there  be  of  fuch  manner  of  men^he  more  we 
friould  feeke  them. 

5.  Do  you  who  are  parents  and  matters  your  duty  intea- 
*ching-and  inftrufling  of  your  families,  and  then  there  would 
be  greater  plenty :  Bad  matters  and  fathers  caufing  fcarcity  of 
good  and  godly  fervanrs. 

Ob.  ill  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  prophahe  fervants  arc 
profitable,and  more  gainefull  then  others. 

*  A»f\».\,  For  godlinefleis  thegreateft  and befl: gaine,  and 
therefore  godly  men  are  rhdft  gainefull. 

3.  And  asfor  others ,al though  they  feeme  tobe,yet  they  are 
tfdtfbgaincftiil  s  for  how  can  they  who  are  not  faithfull  to 
God,  be  faithfull  or  gainefull  to  you  ? 

*  Oh\$.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  a  deare  friend  commended 
Arch  and  fuch  a  fervant  to  mee. 

'  ( Anfw.  i .  For  the  commendations  of  men  will  not  juftiid 
ihofc  whom  Godcondemneth. 

2.  We  ought  to  pleafe  one  another  to  edification,  Ram* 
15. 1. 

3 .  And  we  are  to  gratifie  our  friends  in  the  Lord. 
-#*/*#.  4;  Say- not  beloved  brethren,  I  mutt  cake  fuch  and 

fuch,  becauic  they  were  and  have  beene  old  fervants  to  my* 
father. 

Anfw*. 


Sect  .7.^  The  ckrift}**Ctfrf!ict.  3 1$ 

An/w.  "For  being  bad,  the  eider  the  warie;  InYapparenc 
they  are  the  more  incurable  contfnuirtg  corrupt.  And  tke  efder 
they  are  the  more  hurt  they  will  doe  by  theirbad  and  evill  ex- 
ample. 

Ob.  % .  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  we  will  choofe  fuch  who 
are  tall  and  proper  feliowes,  luftte  and  able-men,  \vrfo  can 
fight  for,and  defend  us  if  need  bd. 

Auf*.  For  fuch  excufes  might  well  ferve  forrbgues,  a- 
mongft  whominprifonsand  atthegallowes  a  man  may  find 
much  man-hood. 

Ob.  6.  Say  not  beloved  brethren  that  religions  men  are  not 
•tefolute,mortirlcarionki]k  a  mans  man-hood, and  confeience 
cook*  mens  courage. 
\A*fw.i .  For  religion  and  manners  make  a  man, 
a.  A- man  may  have  man-hood,  although  he  neither  fwag- 
gcr  norfweare,ftaajpe  not  ftare,  man- hood  i&sne  thing,mad- 
nefTe  another. 

3.  Men  ofconfeience  are  men  of  greateft  courage, PW.  3 ,6t 
7>rfl.2  8.n  wkneffe  D*vid  eocouotring  GoHtb,  1  S*mt\j. 
jvhen  none  o£S**U  army  durft. 

But  reafon  and  refolve  as  folio  weth. 
t    1 .  Have  godly  men  ever  beene  carefidi  to  have  religious 
fenranes,  9m.13.14.  17.13.  ij.a.  Ufi.^i^  Efitr^i99 
*Pf*Lio\  6. 

i.  Is  every  good  mans  bonfe  God*  houfe,C#/^i  5. there- 
fore an  habitation  for  Chrih\his  fpirit,his  fervants,  and  oot^br 
the  limnes of  Satan  > 

3.  Is  every  mans  family  his  body,  thereof  himfeHe  is  the 
headend  will  no  man  willi pgly  be  pdkred  with  lame,rotten, 
putrin"ed,{tinkingand  corrupt  member*,  1  C*\  £.15. 

4,  Doth  the  choice  of  fervarits  mew  the  nature  aad  difpoff- 
tion  of  maftef  s,  for  like  will  to  like,  birds  of  a  feather  will  ffie 
and  flocke  together,  therefore  religious  men  will  defire  religi- 
ons fervar.ts. 

5.  DoththecurfeofGod  hangaverthe  heads  of  wicked 
men,  and  therefore  over  the  h&ufe  wrfcre  ungodly  xnefn-doc 
d well3  ooe  Ackt*  being  a  treble  to  a))  Ifrael . 

6.Ts 


3^4  th  chrift%m€wfifc        C***»i4« 

e*.  It  Ss  not  probable  that  they  will  ever  be  faithfull  to  me  n 
who  are  not  faithfull  to  God,  Ge*.i  i  .1 1 ..    39. 7. ' 

I  •  For,how  can  he  feare  to  offend  him  who  can  only  hurt 
the  body,  who  feares  not  him  who  can  deftroy  both  foule  and 
body? 

2.  How  can  he  make  confeknee  of  the  fecond  table  who 
is  careleffe  of  the  firft?  R  om.2. 

3.  And  ccrtaincly  no  band  doth  hold  and  tie  fo ft rong  as 
that  of  grace  and  godlineffe. 

1.  Not  of  children  towards  parents,  as  we  fee  in 
'Abfofan  and  Adomjah  to  David. 

2.  Not  of  friend  to  friend,  as  in  Achitophel  to*Z>4- 
tid^  z\(o  P fa/. <y^ti^. 

3.  Not  of  wives  to  husbands,  as  in  Potipbars  wife, 
Gen.39.1 a.  and  thebarlot,Pro.7.i  0. 

7.  Is  it  a  credit  for  a  man  to  have  godly  men  and  gracious 
to  ferve  him  ?  Yea  fuch,  than  which  what  greater  ?  thefe  ex- 
celling and  out-ftripping  other  men  in  regard  of  qualities,  far 
what  are  comparable  to  Gods  graces  ?  And  in  regard  of  pa- 
rentage; for,  who  is  to  bee  compared  to  the  Lord,  whofc 
children  thefe  are? 

8.  Is  it  a  great  comfort  to  haue  fuch  fervants  with  whom  a 
man  may  conferre  of  the  way  to  heaven ,  and  with  whom  he 
may  wallce  in  the  way  of  godlinetfe  ? 

9.  Is  it  a  great  commodity  and  advantage  to  be  fervedby 
fnch  felectedones,  Ldans  (hcepe  profpering  for  Imco fo'&kc, 
gen.  30.27,19, 30.  Potipbars  affaires  for /*/^6,  £**,  39.  i,»f 
&c.  And  Slants  army  for  7)avids,  1  Sarh.l  8.14. 

10.  Are  all  men  continually  Carefull  not  to  plant  their 
orchards  with  briars  and  brambles ,  but  with  the  beft  trees 
tjicy  can  procure  or  purchafe  ?  Not  to  (lore  their  commons 
with  (cabbed,  rotten  and  infected,  but  with  the  beft  and  foun- 
deft  cattell  ?  Not  to  fumifti  their  fifti-ponds  with  newts  and 
frogs,  but  with  the  beft  fifties  ?  And  are  not  families  more  to 
be  regarded  than  thefe? 

tu  Are  wicked  and  ungodly  fervants  exceedingly  hurt- 
ful!* as  fcab'd  iieepe,  ready  to  infeft  all ,  as  fire-brands  to  fee 

all 


Sbct^.  TfochriJtknCtnflift.  31J 

*H  on  fire,  and  as  deadly  poyfon  and  plague-fick  peffons  ready 
to  impoyfon  and  infecl  a  family  with  evill  counfell,  with  cur- 
fed  and  diabolicall  deeds  and  pra&ifes  ? 

1 2.  Doth  Gods  curfehang  over  the  heads  efall  wickej 
men>and  is  it  a- difcredit  to  bee  ferved  by  the  Divels  favou- 
rites > 

Then  furely  we  will  either  wholly  keepe  ent  of  our  houfes 
and  families  fuch  fin-ficke  perfons,  asfwearers,  fwaggcrers, 
and  other  prophane  people  from  being  members  of  ouroico- 
nomicall  body :  Or  after  triall  made  ,  and  rinding  our  endea- 
vours fruftrate  and  fruitkffe  to  their  amendment  and  refer  ma- 
tion,  we  will  rid  our  felves  ofallmannerof  railing  Rabfba* 
kebsy  profane  Efaw,  fcoffing  l(hm*els*  and  all  others  who  will 
rot  ferveGod:  neither  will  we  much  regard  if  for  weeding 
out  of  ourhoufes  fuchnoyfomeor  hurtfull  brambles  and  (lin- 
king dung ,  we  ftiould  be  cenfured  and  condemned. 

1 .  Since  paying  them  their  covenanted  due  wc  do  them  no 
wrong. 

2.  Since  no  man  is  bound  tokeepea  fervant  longer  than  the 
covenanted  time. 

3.  Since  fuch  fervants  by  their  vicious  and  ungodly  acliont 
wrong  themfelvcs,  qonftrainingand  compelling  their  carcfull 
and  conlcionable  matters  to  be  rid  of  them. 

4.  Since  no  man  would  keep  a  traitor,  a  cut-purfe  or  high* 
way  fide  robber,  or  fuch  like  mifcreants,  becaufe  he  would 
not  be  counted  and  called  cruell  in  expelling  them  out  ef  his 
family  as  is  expedient.  Neitherwill  wc  continue,  and  cherifh 
in  our  houfes  and  families  the  limbs  of  Satan,  traitors  againft 
the  raoft  high  God,  who  rob  him  of  his  glory  and  fcrvice  up- 
on fuch  poore  and  peccant  pretences. 

Then  furely  wcwill  make  diligent  enquirie  and  (earchaf* 
tcr,  we  will  make  much  of,  countenance,  encourage  and  en- 
tertainefuch  who  are  faithful!. 

1 .  Since  thefe  being  obedient  to  God,  will  bee  obfequious 
to  us. 

a.  Since  for  fuch  manner  of  men  we  maybe  countable 
jvitbjoy. 

2,  In 


$l€  TheChrifiimConflia.         Chap  ,14 

a.  In  ufing  your  {cnrants  be  you  alfo  circumfpecl:,  careful  J. 
^igilant  and  watchful); 

1.  Not  onely  to  command  things  lawful!,  poffible,  Gt*. 
348.  Profitable  and  proportionable,  Exod.^.y,  N^t  over 
charging  their  ftrength,but  refpeding  their  willingneiTe. 

2.  Notonelytodo  them  right,  lob  31.13,14,15,38,39, 
40.  CV.4X     . 

I*  Providingthem  fitting  and  convenient  food, Pr*t\  17. 
26,17.  And  wages,  50.2 1.  Or  anfwerableand  equivalent  to 
either,  or  both,  paying  them  duly  their  wages  and  hire ,  Gen\ 
30.28. .Z>**r»«4.i4. Liar-p.  1 3.  X  King.^,6. 

2.  Defending  them  and  their  tight,  lob  31,12,14,17. 
-  3 .  Correcting  them  doing  amide  with  Chriitiancoun- 
fellfor  their  amendment,  Pro. 20  30.  19  13. 

4.  Preferring  and  commending  them  doing  well,  Levit. 
19.13.  pe*t.im*f7>ro.iy.2> 

5.  Taking  notice  of  their  gifts  of  mind  and  body ,  to  im- 
ploy  and  improve  them :  of  their  weaknefles  and  wants ,  to 
filve  and  fupply  them. 

3 .  Not  onely  that  you  doe  not  rule  rigoroufly  and  tyran- 
nically over  them,  L*v.  i  9.3  j . 

x .  Remembring  that  they  are  men ,  and  Of  the  fame  na. 
Lib   ©  Ebift      turC  W^  y0U'  ^  3  r  •  *  5  •  *JM  afters command,  yourfervants 
Xpift.ii.     '     **fubje&  to  yonin  condition^bm  fo  that  yotsremember  that  they 
Contubernaks     an  of  the  fame  nature  with  you,  faith  S.  Ambrofe* 
lumilesamici*  *,  Remembring  that  they  are  humble  friends,  and  your 

c$nfirvi.%tnzc.  fe]veg  fervaflts,  you  having  a- Matter  in  heaven,  7#£  31.15. 

eph.6.9. 

2.  Remembring  that  yoi?  mutt  be  countable  to  their  and 

your  Matter,  as  for  other  things,  fofor  yourcariage  towards 

them,  /*£  30.14. 

4.  Remembring  that  yoa  ftiould  do  as  you  would  be 

done  to. 

5.  Remembring  that  to  handle  them  gently,  feeking  ra- 
ther to  be  beloved  than  feared,  is  the  teftimony  of  a  good  na- 
ture. 

rf.  Remembring  that  God  will  revenge  injaries  done  to 
them.  L  4*  B"t 


S. 


fiSficT.S.  The  Chrifian  Cenflift.  317 

4.  But  alfo  that  they  continue  in  true  religion,  Getr.  1 8. 1  g. 
I9fb.24.15.  EJ?er^.i6.  ARs  10.2.  Frequenting  and  favou- 
ring the  meanes,fanclifyingthe  Chriftian  Sabbath,.  Exod.  20. 

8, 10.  Praying  privately,  and  with  you  in  your  Families,  praj-  •  M  R.  of  c. 

fing  God  at  meales,  both  before  and  after  meat,  living  holify,  ^     ©  "reified 

lighteoufly,  andblameielly,  youdiflfwading,  dehorting,  and  f,^  q"11/131 

witb-holding  them  from  wickednefle  and  fmne,  1  Sam.i^-jy  that  the  people 

H.    %S*m.\6.\l.   19.22.  Taid  hee  would 

Thus  doing,  you  alfo  ferve  the  Lord  Iefus,  fighting  his  bat-  o°  to  fhe  Di. 

tels  in  this  your  proper  place  and  particular  Itation.  '  ™J  for,ln^i. 

_  _  I  do,I  fhall  a0 

S  E  C  T.   8.  for    as     good 

ground  as  is  ia 

Agaiufi }  depopulates  andinclofersi  thefmrt  andbarme       En§laHd.Rcla- 

they  do  to  tbemfelves  and  others,  dec.  '^cu™  «  hy 

7  *  ^l-r.ri,aPrca- 

FVrther  mud  we  continue  righting  the  Lords  battels  in  our  when  M.D.  of 
peculiar  and  particular  callings  ?  Then  woe  1.  To  all  C.  hadeonfen- 
fuch  who  thruit  men  out  of  the  fame.  2.  To  all  fuch  who  ted  ro  iaclofe 
neither  have  nor  will  have  any.  3 .  And  to  all  fuch  who  ^'^  an^  hcr 
through  pride,  felfe-love  and  difcontent  runout  of,forfake  ("*  *£  cc^ 
and  leave  them,  cured)  ■>  fear*. 

1 .  Woe  to  all  fuch  who  tragically  thruft  men  out  of  thofe  full  and  hide- 
ftations  and  (landings  wherein  the  Lord  hath  let  them  to  fight  W,J  noi&  of 
this  good  warfare.  *™>  \°™n> 

1.  To  thofe  favage  fupplanters  of  the  folacing  focietiesof  bftceriy  beW-" 
mankind.   Thofe  dread  full  defolating  depopulators,  which  iina5  vvhich* 
like  ftupi  fled,  if  not  a  irreligious  and  bciotted  Mammonifts,  wrought  much 
heedlefly  and  foole-hardily  rufh  upon  thofe  keene  and  cut-  in  hcr >  but 
ting  judgements  of  God  which  inevitably  have  confumed  ,c°u!d  not  rc" 
moft  of  thofe  who  have  formerly  erred  in  thefe  their  wicked  man"  from  hi 
wand  rings,  yet  thefe  increduloufly  and  inconfiderately  will  evilJ  enterprife 
not  by  other  mens  harmes  learne  to  beware,  no  not  although  to  his  own  and 
the  Lord  hath  predfely  prefaged  "by  penfive  predictions  his  <*hearuine, 
irefull  indignation  and  dreadfull  difpleafure  againft  fuch  per-  JJh*  relater, 
nicious  and  perillous  plots  and  pro/eels ,  fuch  perverfe  and  kmfm3^  n™* 
perverting,  profane  and  peevifh  practices  ?  h«r. 

© 


3*3  Tk  ChriflUn  Conflict.  Ch  ap  .  14 A 

O  you  misbelieving  and  miflcd  men  into  thofe  cruell  ccur-  II 
fcs  accurfed  by  God  and  men,  confider, 

r .  That  as  you  are  guilty  of  the  want  of  (b  many  multi- 
tudes of  peeple  which  in  probability  might  and  would  have 
beene,  had  your  ruined  tbwnes  Hill  beene  populous,  which 
then  as  well  fet  orchards  caufed  their  inhabitants  tofruftifie 
and  fpread ,  which  being  tranfplantcd  into  other  and  want- 
ing roome,fmother  np  themfelvcs  and  other. 
B.lTowne  and  *»  4s  y°u  are  §u^tv  °^  mucn  dillionour  to  al mighty  God, 
Church  gone,  hindering  him  of  much  fcrvice  and  worfhip,  which  priftinely 
hath  beene  performed,  you  leaving  few  people,  and  them  oft 
times  fear  ce  a  Church  to  aflcmble  in  for  this  end  and  pur- 
pofe. 

3 .  As  you  are  enemies  to  the  Church,  driving  it  as  much  as 
in  you  is  out  of  our  coafts  and  countrey . 

4.  As  you  are  enemies  to  our  dread  Soveraigne,  depri- 
ving him  of  the  honour  of  many  fubjecls ,  of  profit  and  pro- 
tection. 

5.  As  you  are  enemies  to  your  fclves  and  your  pofkrity, 
haling  and  haftening  Gods  fearefull  plagues  denounced  in  /ft. 
5. 8.  upon  your  felves  and  them. 

6.  So  are  you  a  plague  and  peft  to  the  common- wealth. 

I.  Expofing  it  to  ibrrowfullfubverfion  and  utter  over- 
throw, for  what  can  your  flieep-coats  and  hedges  doe  againft 
an  enemy  ? 

*•  Procuring  upon  every  fcarcity  and  fcantnefle  dearth  and 
penury. 

5.  Occasioning  racking  and  raifing  of  rents  bymeanesof 
your  thruft  out  inhabitants  (houldcring  abroad  to  live ,  which 
makes  the  fub/ecls  lives  more  uncomfortable  to  themfelves, 
and  more  uncharitable  to  others. 

4.  Furthering  whoredome  and  uncleanneffe ,  for  people 
multiplying,  and  habitations  decaying,  diverfe  people  who 
would  cannot  live  in  lawfijil  wedlock e,  and  ib  the  land  is  pol- 
luted with  (in,  and  too  much  peopled  with  bale  and  baftardly 
flips. 

5.  Occafibning  much  beggery  and  want,  for  ufuallyyour 

felves 


S  b  c  t  .7.  The  chrijlian  Ctnfttltm  3  r  p 

felves  or  yours  arc  prefently  plunged  into  penury,  and  jyouf 
ancient  inhabitants  crowding  into  other  populous  places,  im- 
poverifh  themfelvesand  others." 

6.  And  depriving  the  inhabitants  of  imployment:  Iamve- 
rily  perfwaded  that  the  town  wherein  I  live,  hath  more  fhep- 
hcards  in  the  fame,  than  both  our  depopulated  neighbouring 
townes,  and  yet  the  lead  ofthem  was  formerly  as  great,  the  o- 
ther  greater  by  farre,  if  not  as  big  as  both  :  yet  are  fhepheards 
the  principal!  people  imployed  in  fucb  defolate  and  decayed 
places.  And  I  verily  thinlce  that  fome  one  thruft  out  farmer 
hath  formerly  imployed  and  fet  to  worke  as  many  people  con- 
ftantly,as  the  greedy  depopnlatour  doth  with  his  decayed 
Lord/hip.  An  ancient  credible  man  not  many  dayes  fince  cer-  T.  C. 
tifiedmethat(beinga  young  man)  he  was  an  inhabitant  in  a 
neighbouring  decayed  inclofed  to  wne  before  it  was  inclofed, 
at  which  time  he  thinkes  there  were  two  hundred  perfons 
more  in  it  than  now  there  are  (and  how  -meanely  the  mod  of 
them  live  many  of  us  know)he  affirmed  to  me  that  there  were 
then  fix  or  (even  and  thirty  farmers  in  the  fame :  Twenty  of 
which  farmers  he  was  perfwaded  did  conftantly  keep  as  good 
houfes  and  hoipitality  as  he  who  after  ruined  himielfe  and  the 
towne. 

Inftead  therefore  of  indicating  unto,  or  juftifyiug  thefc 
injurious  and  inhumane  inclofings  after  this  or  the  like  manner 
withthefe  or  the  like  poliming  and  plaufible,  yet  prepofte- 
rous  pretexts  and  pretences.  For  I  not  onely  conceive  and 
conjecture,  but  know  what  can  be  and  is  laid  by  thefe  enemies 
of  mankind,  which  in  truth  by  daily  experience  are  convinced 
and  confuted,  being  manifefted to  be  but  falfe  and  fained  glo- 
fcings,  and  deceitfull  deludings  to  deceive  and  defraud  (uch 
who  either  will  not  or  cannot  dive  into  and  difcerne  their 
fraud  and  forgery. 

1.  Whereas  they  affirme  that  the  champion  is  bleakeand  OifeR! 
cold  ;  the  inclofure  being  well  fortified  and  fenced  againft 
fuch  inconveniences,  nourifning  and  cheriGiing  great  (lore  of 
wood  and  fruit-trees  in  their  hedge-rowes  and  particular 
fields.    Fxpericnce  cxprefly  explicates  that  with  us  the  Anfwl 

inclofed 


3*0  The  Chrifthn  Cwflitt.         C 

inclofed  towncs  for  the  generall  are  worfe  fenced  with  ] 
wood  and  firing  againft  ftormes,  cold  and  tempefts,the  cham- 
pion men  planting  and  prelerving  orchards  and  other  wood  in 
fie  and  convenient  places  for  ornament,  fhelter  and  profit. 
Whereas  the  other  wanting  men  and  meanes  to  do  the  lame, 
iatisfie  themfelves  with  bramble  bumes,  and  briarly  thorny 
hedges,  haying  little  other  wood,  which  are  no  good  orna- 
ment, nor  any  great  (belter,  neither  do  they  afToord  fuch  plen- 
ty of  few-ell  unto  the  inhabitants,  but  that  they  would  willing- 
ly warme  themf  elves  •  with  the  champion  mans  draw  as  with 
good  firing  if  they  had  it« 

2.  Whereas  they  aifome  the  champion  to  be  nothing  fo 
commodious  or  profitable,  the  ground  by  meanes  of  the  many 
ditches  being  well  dreynedand  much  bettered,  one  acre  in 
the  inclofed  ground  with  one  tillage  yeelding  as  much,  oft 
more  increafe  than  two  in  the  champion  with  many  times 
plowing.  The  incloied  ground  being  freer  from  rotting  of 
ftieep,  by  which  meanes  the  champion  farmer  is  much  impo- 
veriflied.  The  inclofing,  preventing  unneighbourly  incroach- 
ing  upon  one  another  by  plowing,  mowing,  and  that  unmer- 
cifull  and  (uncharitable  eating  up  of  pooremen,  who  cannot 
{lore  their  commons  by  rich  neighbours ,  which  is  ufuall  and 
common  in  the  champion  field.   As  alfo that  inclofure  im- 
ployes  the  labouring  men  in  winter  as  well  as  fummer,  in 
hedging  and  ditching.  Rectified  reafon  and  grounded  experi- 
ence manifefis  thefe  to  be  but  frivolous  and  trifling  flqurifhes 
without  validity.  For  are  not  the  champion  townes  abundant- 
ly more  commodious  to  the  common- wealth,  breeding,main- 
taining  and  iraploying  multitudes  of  families  more  than  the 
other  ?   Are  not  the  champion  fields  ( efpecially  where  good 
husbands  are)  as  well  dreyned  anddreffed  wittvplough  and 
fpade?  As  for  the  abundance  of  corne  they  boaft  of,  it  is  onely 
after  long  refting,  not  if  it  be  continually  feeded  as  the  cham- 
pion is:  for  then  it  could  not  compare  with  it,  wanting  fheepe 
and  other  belpes  the  champion  hath.  As  for  their  freedome 
from  rotting,no  marvel),  for  either  lay  downe  the  plough  or 
part  with  their  fheepe.  As  for  incroachings,  there  are  better 

and 


>ect.8.  7heChrijl)4nCo»flitt-  3*1  > 

md  more  ole$ed  meanes  to  order  and  remedy  the  fame ,  than 
>y  fuch  a  medtcine  farre  worfe  than  the  malady.  Neither  arc 
joore  men  orpreffed  foby  rich  men,  but  that  they  have  their 
)it,or  money  for  the  fame.  And  I  wonder  with  what  a  Face 
my  man  can  fay,  that  by  meanes  of  thefe  hedges  and  ditched 
he  i:  clofure  doth  imploy  more  than  the  champion  doth,  want 
:>f  imploy  mentbeing  one  of  thegreateft  mifchiefes  they  occa- 
ioo  to  the  common- wealth. 

3  Laftly,  whereas  they  fay ,  experience  in  all  inclofed 
countreyes  fhewes,tbat  there  men  live  more  richly  and  farre 
setter  tf  an  in  the  champion.  I  do  not  wonder,  fuch  townes 
maintaining  now  two  or  three  men  of  fafhion ,  whereas  for- 
merly they  maintained  for  the  fame  twenty.  I  know  that  con- 
tinuance of  time  hath  skinned  the  skarre  and  healed  the  fcab, 
fb  that  we  fee  them  what  they  are,  not  what  they  were  for- 
merly, farre  more  populous  than  now  they  be.  But  fhew  me 
who  can  in  the  memory  of  man  an  inclofed  towne  wherein  10 
many  (I  thinke  I  may  fay  halfe  fo  many)  able  houfholders  do 
now  live  and  fo  richly  as  they  did  then  when  it  was  champion, 
If  in  a  neighbouring  towne  in  which  are  two  hundred  people 
lefle,in  which  are  three  or  foure  ploughs  where  were  former- 
ly fix  or  (even  and  thirty,  thofe  few  live  more  richly  (and  it  is 
well  if  they  do)  and  farre  better  than  formerly,  is  (I  think)no 
great  matter. 

Inftead  of  thus  pleading  for  and  patronizing  fuch  a  curfed 
and  cruell  confumer  of  the  common- wealth  as  inclofure  is ,  I 
defire  all  men  to  confider, 

i.  How  by  this  meanes  whole  Zordmip*  are  converted 
from  tillage  to  pafturing:  farme-houfes  decayed:  husbandmen 
turned  cottagers  or  fhepheards,  are  driven  to  feeke  habitati- 
ons elfwhere.  Townes  utterly  depopulated  and  unpeopled,or      _ 
thofe  who  rcmaine  to  live  for  the  generall  in  great  mifery . 

i.  How  fuch  and  (o  many  pleafant  and  commodious  habi- 
tations for  men,  are  tragically  turned  into  rude  and  ruinous 
heapes,  and  the  many  delicate  and  delightful!  fields  plentifully 
abounding  formerly  with  folds  and  flockes ,  with  rich  and  re- 
'oycing  fruits ;  deformed  and  defaced,  laid  languifhing  like 

Y  deplored 


3  2  %  Tbt  ChrijlUn  Confttt.         'Cm  aV  .  143 

deplored  and  de folate defarts,  haunted  and  inhabited  onely  by\ 
bruit  beads  and  a  tew  fblitary  manflons  remaining,  where 
there  is  little  help  in  time  of  necclTlty,  comfort  in  time  of' 
doubt,or  iociety  in  time  of  peace. 

3.  How  the di (ailerons and  dreadfull  judgements  of  God 
have  like  an  inviolable  inundation  and  irrevocable  irruption 
feized  upon  and  confumed  thefe  infathble  minded  men,  I 
might  here  tell  you  whatour  Chronicles  relate  of  New  For- 
reft  in  Hamfhire,  for  the  making  whereof  King  Willitm  o- 
verthrew  townes  and  villages  by  the  fpace  of  thirty  miles  or 
more,  to  bring  the  fame  into  a  chafe  for  deere  :  In  the  faid 
Forreft  fVi/lUm  lus  forme  with  an  arrow  in  his  breaft,  Richard 
his  fonne  gored  and  fpoilcd  by  the  deere,  and  Richard  his  ne-  j 
phew  the  fonne  of  Robert  Duke  of  Normandy  having  his 
neck  brokc»or(as  fome  (ay)hangcd  in  the  boughs  of  a  tree,loft 
their  lives.  I  could  defcend  to  our  own  times,  and  our  fathers,.  1 
and  fhevryouhow  Godscude  hath  lighted  upon  the  prin- 
cipal! actors  in  this  truculent  and  tyrannizing  tragedy.  I  have  a 
catalogue  of  many  in  this  kind,  as  C  inclofed  by  M.R.  K.  in- 
dofedbyS.fl.0.  The  two R. and  //.inclofed  by  S.F.F.  #\ 
inclofed  by  S.E.A.  H.indofedbyM.S.  C.inclofedby  US. 
B.andM^E.D.  P.inclofed  by  SE.L  V.  inclofed  by  S.  Rw. 
why  M.  L.  H.  inclofed  by  M.  A.  L.  inclofed  by  M.  AT.  and 
others,  but  I  fpare  to  name  them:  which  townes  have  vomit- 
ed, out  awd  unburdened  themf elves  of  their  former  defolating 
and  depopulating  owners. 

4  How  carefully  our  fore-fathers  did  continually  prevent 
filch  inconveniences,  not  onely  by  mixing  and  intermingling 
their  grounds  together,  butbyftrict  and  fevcrc  lawes  againft 
.nclofurc,  begun  in  the  fourth  ycarc  ot  K.  Henry  the  feventh, 
which  have  beenc  corroborated  and  confirmed  by  his  fuccef- 
fours  in  fundry  Parliaments  fince. 

5.  What  an  unconceiveable  difference  there  isbetweene 
the  towne  of  tillage  and  the  inclofed. 

1 .  Looke  into  their  townes.  In  the  one  you  may  fee  holl- 
ies builded, beautified  and  inhabited,  people  multiplying,  in« 
creafing3and  neighbourly  convcrfing,  come,  cattell,  and  other 

countre^ 


\ 


The  Clerk  of 


>ect.8.  ,.yv     TheOfiriftianCenfift.  U$ 

lountrey  commodities  plentifully  abounding.  In  the  other 
you  fhall  behold  torne  and  tottering  houles  without  inhabi- 
tants, rude  and  ragged  mines  of  ancient  habitations,  people 
daily  *diminifhing\md  decaying,  living  for  the  general!  a  dc-  '^^^ 
plored  and  difconlolate  life,  being  forced  2broadto  neighbor-  l0w*  jndofc3 
ring  towncs  to  worke,  to  gleane,  to  gather  peafe ,  and  oft  lou  mcc,  that 
to  beg.  k,s  w*g  * 

a.  Lookeinto  thefields  of  the  one,  there  {hall  you  fee  cat-  tcn  §!°^t 
tell  of  all  fort*  friendly  and  .familiarly  feeding  together ,  not  ^/t^m 
onelythemeadowes,  butalfothe  (lades  and  lands  ends  fat-  7c*yfCwyca^. 
ted  from  the  land  loaden  with  grade  •  the  lands  loaden 
and  varnifl/d  with  varietie  of  garnHhing  and  gladding  in- 
crcafe;  and  the  people  from  the  new-going  (tripling  to 
the  decrepite  and  nearc-dying  old  man ,  in  their  feqdes- 
tfmeSjharvcfts,  and  other  feafbns,  like  painefull  and  indu- 
flrious  pifmires ,  labouring  in  their  feverall  imployments 
with  much  folacing  rejoycing ,  and  dejightfome  gladnefle. 
Looke  into  the  pafhires  of  the  other,  there  (hall  you  be- 
hold drie,  moflle,  barren,  and  parched  grounds,  a  fad 
and  fblkary  filence  through  want  of  imployment  for  men: 
and  a  few  fcattering  fhecpe  and  other  cattell,  not  fb  ma- 
ny (  I  fuppofe  )  as  is  in  the  other  quantity  for  quantity , 
although  well  neare  two  parts  in  three  is  for  a  certaine 
time  exempt  for  graine.  And  no  marvel  1 :  For,  befides 
Gods  curie  on  the  one,  and  blelTmg  upon  the  other, 
Tillage  maintaineth  (with  Itraw ,  cfoffe,  and  fuch  like) 
many  cattell  ,  who  reciprocally  requite  it  againe  with 
abundance  of  manure ,  which  fo  feedcth  and  fatteneth  their 
ground,  that  not  onely  their  graffe  ground  is  more  fer- 
tile helped  from  the  lands ,  but  even  their  tillage  in  its 
time  arToordetb  great  plenty  of  young  and  cheriibing  fee* 
ding.       ' 

3.  Looke  into  their  high- waves,  where  you  may  be- 
hold the  former  trae'd  up  and  downe  by  realon  of  their 
continuall  commerce  with  all  forts  of  bordering  neighbours, 
men  carying  and  rccarying  to  and  from  faires  and  markets,and 
the  waves  themfelves' (except  the  inconvenience  of  the  fitua- 

Y  a  tion 


3  H  rJje  chrifiUn  ConfiiSt.     '  -Ch  a  f .  1 4J 

tion  occafioneth  the  contrary)  very  good  ,  or  (&  the  worft)]] 
pa  (Table. 

Firft,  Byreafonof  their  yearely  reparations ,  which  coftl 
and  charges  is  richly  requited  ,  not  onelyinthe  better  and 
fafer  paffage ,  but  alio  in  their  land,  unburdened  hereby 
of  many  unprofitable  (tones,  and  much  unneceffary  rub-' 
biQi. 

Secondly,  By  reafon  of  the  open  fields,  which  afford- 
ing fo  many  helpes  to  the  pafienger  on  bawlkes  and  lands 
in  the  depth  of  winter  (no  whiter  little  prejudiciall  to 
the  owner  )  the  eafed  way  by  this  meanes  is  never  fo  te- 
dious and  toykfome  as  other  wife  it  would  be  :  by  which 
meanes  alfo  it  timely  recovers  its  faftnefle  and  firmneue. 

Thirdly  and  Iaftly,  In  regard  they  are  fo  fully  and  free- 
ly expoled  to  Sun  and  wind,  whereby  their  difadvantagious 
dirt  is  foonc  dried  and  difperfecL 

Look  into  the  other.and  you  fhal  behold  thehigh-wayes  not 
much  by  themfelyes  frequented, yet  fo  fowle  and  filthy,  fo  mi- 
rie  and  mifchievous,(o  incompatible  and  incommodious, 

1.  In  regard  that  ufually  their  repaires  belong  ta private 
and  particular  perfons,who  feldome(except  compelled)com- 
miferateand  companionate  the  common  people :  or  if  to.  the 
inhabitants,  they  ufually  are  but  few,  and  the  moft  of  them  al- 
fo poore  and  penurious,  wanting  teames  and  other  meanes  to 
renew  and  reftore,  thofe  defperatedecayes. 

2.  Partly,  in  regard  that  neceffity  inforceth  all  forts  of  pa£ 
fengers  with  cart,  carriages  and  cattell  into  thofe  narrow  and 
noyfome  lan.es,coping  them  in,and  compelling  them  to  keepe 

.  within  thofe  abhorred  hedges,  by  which  furcharging  without 
furceafing. 

5.  As  alfo  by  meanes  of  thofe  bramble  and  briarly  hedges 
they  are  fo  fheltered  from  wind  and  Sun,  that  they  arefel- 
dome  fate  and  fufferable,  but  generally  fo  intolerable  and 
infufferabie ,  that  if  the  curfes  and  cries  of  poore  way- 
faring men  forced  to  frequent  thofe  formidable  and  fil- 
thy wayes:  in  which  they  are  not  onely  foyled  like  unto 
the  difconfolated  cattell  they  drive  before  them,  but  alfo 

often 


Sec  r'&Xl      The  Chrijlian  Cwftft.  325 

often  im]pc?erifhed  with  lofleof  their  faint  and  feeblebeanV 
wanting  ftrength  to  helpe  themfelves  and  their  burdens  out 
of  thofe  cff-nfive  and  oppretfing  paths.  If  they  (I  fay  J  are 
of  force,  then  furcly  fuch  men  who  are  occafioners  hereof 
cannot  l>e  bleifsd.  But  whither  am  I  gone  ?  Zeale  hath  tranT. 
ported  me  (  and  I  hope  that  which  is  according  to  know-' 
ledge)  againft  theie  pillagings  and  pullings  downe  of  our  po- 
pulous and  puitfant  common- wealth.  And  oh  that  fuch  per- 
forms whom  it  concernes,  would  in  time  looke  into  this  our 
ftate  muchdifparaged  anddispynted,muchdifeafed  anddifa- 
Wed  by  theie  manner  of  men ,  fo  as  to  helpe  and  healc  it.  'If* 
not  by  forcing  the  purchafers  (  for  I  take  it  for  granted  that 
the  aclors  in  this  tragedy  or  their  heires  are  or  will  be  forced 
through  want  and  penury  to  fbrfakethe  fhgeand  (landing  in 
which  they  have  acted  fuch  tragicall  parts  )  to  re-edifiethe 
ancient  habitations,and  re-eftablifh  farmes  and  farmers(\vbich 
were  to  be  wi{hed)  yet  by  damming  a«d  (lopping  up  this  in- 
ordinate inundation. 

1.  That  our  ancient  gentility  may  not  by  "the  curfe  of  God 
dogging  at  the  heeles  and  devouring  fuch  fadding  flipplanters' 
be  ruined  and  rooted  out 

2 .  That  our  famous  and  flourifhlng  common- wealth  be  not 
emptied  and  evacuated  of  people ,  and  Co  inevitably  expos'd 
to  iufupportable  irruptions  of  infulting  foes. 

5.  That  our  active  and  able  men  may:not  be  forced  for' 
want  of  implement  to  turne  pilferers  and  way-beaters:  to' 
feeke  into  other  climates,  or  beggar  them feives  and  others  by 
crouding  into  iuch  places  which  necefiarily  muft  give  harbour 
to  too  many. 

4.  That  thofe  filly  and  barmelelfe  fheepe  may  no  lon- 
ger devoure  men,  houfes  and  townes  as  formerly 'they 
have  done. 

<?£j?#.'Iknow  they  are  ready  to  pretend  a  good  to  the 
com.moc- wealth  ,  not  intending  to  depopulate  or  deftroy 
triage,  but  onely  to  improve  their  lands  to  the  tenants 
advantage ,  enriching  his  grounds  with  wood ,  and  with 
a  more  peaceable  and  quiet  enjoying  of  his  owne  with- 

Y  l  out 


3*  6  The  chrifiUn  CtnfRZt.     /  Chtap V14; 

cur  any  moleftation  or  trouble  from  croffe  a)id  corrupt 
neighbours. 

/f*/»vi.  But  admit  that  tbeir  deeds  were  correfponcfent 
totbefe;-h'  jr  faire,  but  ufually  fained  promifes.  I  cannot  fee 
in  reason  (and  I  tbinke  the  experience  of  fuch  who  have 
made  triall  doth  witneffe for  me)  how  this  courfe  can  be  to 
the  fanners  enriching  :  For,  not  onely  is  he  forced  to  pay  a 
greater  rent,  not  having  fo  good  commodities  as  before,  or 
to  be  at  the  coft  and  charges  of  ditching  and  hedging.  Not 
onely  is  he  deprived  of  his  commons,-  and  allotted  to  his  (tint 
acreridge,  but  alfo  being  penned  up  into  his  poore  parcels,  he 
is  forced  either  to  lay  downe  tillage,  or  to  keepe  few  or  no 
cattell  in  fummer  feafon,  by  which  meanes  his  fallow  ground 
is  fcanted  of  compafle,  and  much  annoyed  with  grafle  and 
weeds,  he  wanting  (hecpeto  fupply  the  one,  and  deitroy  the 
other  ;  whereas  when  he  intermingled  commons  in  the 
champion  field,  he  kept  many  cattell  of  all  forts,  which  he 
cannot  being  pounded  into  his  proper  pen :  It  being  eader  to 
dine  many  at  onetable  together,  than  fewer  feveraljy  and  by 
tbemfelves.  The  number  of  hedges  and  ditches  taking  a- 1 
way  much  ground  which  would  pafture  many  cattell.  And 
he  being  ufually  deprived  of  his  bit  in  the  common  ground. 

2.  Howbeit  experience  generally  explaneth  exprcfTely 
thefetobe  but  pretences,  for  either  the  unfatiable  and  unmer- 
cjfull  inclofer  doth  prefently  difpotfefle  the  ancient  inhabi- 
tants^ els  by  little  and  little  wearie  and  weare  tjiem  out ,  or 
waiteuntill  they  are  taken  away  by  death:  and  being  once 
rid  of  them,  he  either  pullcth  downe  the  ancient  habitations 
to  mend  wals, walks  and  waves,  or  fuffers  them  to  fall  downe, 
but  no  more  to  be  inhabited.  Audio  inclofing  is  commonly 
the  mother  of  depopulation. 


Sect. 


1 


S  e  c  t&hl      The  ChrifiUn  Conflicl.  3 1 7 

Sect.  p. 
jjgAinft  greettj  ingf  offers  of  commodities, 

G Reedy  ingroflersof  commodities,  who  not  contented 
with  competent  and  convenient  imployments,  infatiably 
thirft after,  greedily  grafpe,  and  inhumanely  heapc  to  them* 
felves  farmeuntofarme,living  unto  living. 

i.  Hereby  kicumbringthemfelvcs  with  many  inevitable, 
unconcciveable,  and  innumerable  lwarmes  of  anxious  per- 
plexities, difquieting  thoughts,  and  carking  cares. 

a.  Hereby  much  hindring  hofpitality  a»d  rel iefe to  poor e 
people,  difabling  'many  others  from  diftrituting,  arid  them- 
ielves  keeping  but  one  boufe(or  ifmore,by  a  reftrained  fervant 
or  two  onely)  for  dive-rfe  livings. 

3 .  Hereby  accafioning  the  hoifing  of  rents  to  this  height  and 
greatnes,that  except  commodities  arc  deare  and  plentirulhthc 
tenant  ufually  well  knowes  not  how  to  pay  his  rent:  for  thefe 
manner  of  men  care  not  to  give  intolerable  and  unreafbnablc 
rates,  well  knowing  that  for  fuch  and  fuch  additions,they  need 
rot  any  greater  number  offervants  and  cattclUand  for  greater 
a  fmall  number  more  will  ferve  the  tume ,  by  which  meares 
the  poore  man  who  lives  laboritufly  On  bis  farme,  is  forcedto 
pay  fuch  rents  (or  els  theie  gaping  cormorants  will  fwallow 
tip  what  he  poiTetTeth  )  that  he  and  his  are  but  uncomfortable 
drudges  for  other  men. 

4.  Hereby  thrufting  and  keeping  many  out  of  fuch  imploy- 
ments  to  which  they  have  beene  apted  and  fitted>and  in  which 
they  have  beene  trained  up  from  their  youth.  I  know  my  (elf 
who  in  old  age  wanting  imploy  ment  hath  beene  forced  to  for- 
iake  the  plough  by  meanes  of  fuch  ingurgitating  ingroflcrs. 


Y  4  Sect, 


-r-r 


3*8 


Tht  Ch'tftianConflift.         C«  ap  .  14.^ 


S  S  C  T.    IC 


Again  fi  tbofe  who-  have  ho  caflivg. 


WOe  then  to  fuch  who  neither  have  nor  wilj  haveany 
convenient  calIings,proper  and  peculiar  ftandings,for 
bow  can  you  do  fervice  and  homage  to  Chrifr  our  Lord  and 
Matter?  How  will  youfightthe  battels  of  Chrift  our  King  and 
Captaine  who  have  nocalling,  (tation  or  (landing allowed,  al- 
lotted and  approved  of  by  him  t 

1 .  Sure  lam  the  Word  of  God  exactly  enjoynes  all  men  to 
live  and  labour  in  fome  certaine  calling,  <?*».g.ip.  2.1 5.  Ub 
5.7.  iThefoAo. 

1,  Sure  I  am  the  light  of  nature  exquifitely  inforceth  the 
fame,  /*».i,8. 

3 .  Sure  I  am  the  glorious  Angels  have  their  afligned  aclK 
ons  and  appointed  imployments,  PfaL  105,30. 

4.  Sure  I  am  that  Chrift  our  Chieftaine  and  Commander 
from  the  cradle  to  the  crofTc  was  continually  converfantin  and 
about  his  cal]ing,Ci-#£ir,6. 3. 

y .  Sure  lam  that  God  himfelfe  created  the  firft  fix  daves, 
and  that  he  hath  preferved,  fupported,  and  governed  theuni- 
verfall  world  ever  fince. 

6,  Sure  I  a m  that  the  Lord  our  God  doth  foar ply  and  fe- 
verely  plague  and  punifh  idle  anduaprofitablefervants,  Mat. 
16.30.and  that  he  doth  richly  remunerate,  and  abundantly  re- 
ward only  painfull&loyall  labourers  in  his  vinyard,  Mat.  10. 8 

And  doft  thou  a  man  made  to  labour,  taught  by  the  light  of" 
nature,andthe  Word  of  God  to  labour:  and  prefled  hereunto 
by  the  extant  examples  of  creatures,  men  and  Angels,  anddbc* 
unparalcld  examples  of  Chrift  and  his  Father,  live  in  floth- 
fxill  lithernefle  and  lawleflfe  idleneiTc?  And  dofl  not  thon 
profeffing  thy  felfe  to  bee  Chrifts  fervant  and  fouldier, 
labour ,  ferve ,  and  flght  in  fome  fele&  ftation  and  ftan- 
ding  under  fuch  a  Lord ,  Captaine  and  Commander  >  Eve- 
rj  man  it  appointed  hi*  vocation^  to  one  thisjo  another  that \  faith 

Bi(hop; 


Sec  t.i  t  TheChrtJlUnCtnfltfl*  319 

Bifliop  F^of^knd  ofcaSings  faith  he,  that  u  unlawful/.  that  ftooper  ©n  I< 
fghtetk  and  rffugnetb  with  the  WordefGod^  <u  the vocation  of  nali  i.Scr.t. 
baudesy  Idolaters ,  maffe-mongersycommon  receiver  s^and  main" 
tainers  of  dicers  and  dice-houfesy  witbfucb  likj.  The  other  u 
lawful  which  ft  ancieth  with  the  Word  of  Qod,  which  we  trait f^ 
grejfe  when  we  beare  the  name  of  the  Vocation  and  doe  nothing 
appertaining  thereto  :  and  when  wee  doe  in  the  vocation  that  we 
fkould  not  doe*  Magiftrates  they  bave  their  (landings :  Mini- 
fies of  Gods  Word  theirs :  yea  the  moft  poore  and  penuri- 
ous heardfmen  theirs,  wherein  they,  doe  or  ought  to  fight  this 
good  warfare. 

Sect,  i i. 

tdgaiafi  V/*rersy  condemned  bj  Fathers ',  Cottnfefs,  Z*»ef> 

their  owne  pretended  Patrons,  religions  of  all forts y 

and  J  acred  Scripture  in  the  Old  andNtwTe* 

fiament,  1 5.  objections anfweredy 

and  divtrs  dtjfwajives, 

BVt  thou  cruellgriping  Vfurer,  who  eateft  the  bread  of  the 
ftarvingorphane,  of  the  carefull  and  comfortkffe  man, 
who liveft on  the  fweate  of  othermens  browes, unconfeiona- 
bly  and  unchriftianly  eating  the  bread  which  is  not  thine  own  • 
what  is  thy  calling,  what  is  thy  ftation,  and  {landing  in  this 
Chriftian  warfare.    Certaine ly 

Firft,  IfthcantientauthenticalK  and  much  admired  fatten, 
asSaint  Jugttfiine,  Ambt -oft ,  £Vj fofbmt r,  fBaftl%  and  others 
did  not  delude  and  deceive  us. 

Secondly,  If  the  Convocations  and  Counfells  of  learned 
and  religious  men  in  aliases  did  not  ene. 

Thirdly,  Ifthe  laudablelawes  ofallforts>Canon,civiD;and 
of  all  times  are  light  and  regular. 

Fourth1  y,  Ifyourowne  authors  upon  whom  for  this  parti- 
cular you  io-much  dote,  and  depend ;  of  whom  you  fomuch 
talke  and  triumph,  being  well  weighed,  rightly  underftoorf, 
bee  futftred  to  fignirle  and  fee  dovyne.  theij  owne  mindes 

and. 


3J0  The  chriftikn  CMfiti*  \^CmST.i 

and«meanings,  are  found  not  to  favour  but  to  L'ghc  againftj 
you. 

Fifthly,  If  univerfally  all  forts  of  religions,  paganish,  po-| 
cmw.^dc  P%an^  pure:  heat'hehift,  heretical  1  and  heavenly,  with 
hsrefibi."  unity  and  unanimity  (the  hereticall  Manicheesondy  (that  I 
know  of  except)  who  wickedly  faid  it  is  better  to  bee  an 
'VTurer  then  an  husbandman,  becaufe  an  Vfurer  doth  not  teare 
the  members  of  God  which  are  in  trees,c£r.  as  the  husband- 
man doth.)  Cry  out  againft  and  condemne  u fury  as  hi> 
lawfull. 

Sixthly,  If  theexprefleteftimoniesoffacred  Scripture  be- 
ing rightly  underftood,  and  interpreted  by  the  moft  Ortho- 
doxe,  yea  almoft  all  Divines,  doe  condemne  as  accurfed,ufury 
©fall  forts. 

Then  are  not  you  in  any  warrantable  way :  comfortable  or 
Chriftian  courfe  of  life,  or  in  anyfafe  or  faint- like  ftation, 
prefcribedand  appointed  by  Chrift  our  General!,  regulated, 
and  ranged  under  the  rule  and  regiment  of  Chrift  our  Com- 
mander, or  appropriated  and  affigned  to  this  ftation  and  (ten- 
ding by  Chrift  our  Captaine.    How  therefore  dare  you  call 
.  Chrift  Lord  and  Mafter,  yon  not  departing  from  iniquity  ? 
Why  doe  you  malepertly  march  under  the  enobling  enfigne 
of  Chriftian  religion,  you  treacheroufly  and  terribly  tram- 
plingunder  foot  the  faint  and  feeble,  the  weake  and  langui- 
shing fouldiers  of  our  God,  your  felves  oft  caufing  their  pe- 
nury and  poverty  ?  Why  doe  you  not  quake  and  tremble  /*- 
<k*-like,  to  cry  all  haile  to  Chrift  eur  Commander,  you  being 
againft  him,  in  wretchedly  refuting  to  be  raartiallcd  in  any  of 
thefe  Chriftian  and  comfortable  rankes  and  files  of  his  faith- 
full  and  loyall  fouldiers  ?    How  can  you  looke  for  or  expeel: 
the  rich  and 'redundant  reward  of  Chriftian  warriours,  you 
haying  no  ftation  or  ftanding  in  this  warfare :  or  if  it  is  any,yec 
fuchas  isunchriftian  and  unlawfull:   If  Fathers,  Couricells, 
Lawes,  your  o wne  Authors,  Religions  of  all  forts,  and  the 
Word  of  God  the  ground  andpiller  of  truth  may  bee  cre- 
dited* 

r.  For 


b  c  r.  1 1 , ,  ;  J . )  rbe  chrifiUn  Cwflitl.  33  i 

'     '     '   i.  For  the  Fathers.  E'&n 

Saint  Ambrofe  faith,  Thou  [halt  not  put  thy  money  to  ufury  y     P'jw  *£*• 
ecaufe  it  is writteny  He  thatpntteth  not  his  money  to  ufury  ypjall 
we  11  in  the  Tabernacle  of  god ;  for  he  is  afupplantery  who  ta- 
eth  the  profit  gotten  of  ufury  y  therefore  let  a  Chrifiian  man  if 
he  hath,  ^ive money  at  not  expelling  to  receive  it ,  or  without 
failer-ceivtngonely  the  principal} which  he  gave.   Againe,T£<?   tih.o^t'r  % 
Lord  for  bids  uj  to  hurt  each  other,  when  he  forbids  to  defraud   Chap.}, 
the  hireling  of  his  wages,  and  when  bee  doth  determine  th*t  mo- 
ney [bould  bee  reftored  without  ufury.      If  any  man  t&keth 
ufury,  faith  the  fame  Father,  hee  doth  commit  theft.    The  fame  tih.  <?e  bono 
Father  hath  divers  Chapters  upon  7"«&r  againft  ufury,faying,  **rtU.chafr 
**4n  Vfnrer  is  a  Dive//y  Nothing  is  more  horrible  then  an  Vfu~   1Z' 
rer,  he  is  an  odious  ma»y  and  his  money  is  a  viper ,  which  brings  Ji}-f  '**'  , 
forth  and  conceives  aSevill.     Mofes  doth  (lew  inSxodwwbat  9.  ^ 

is  tokiB,  namelj  to  impofe  ufury,  for  it  doth  fir angle ,   and  Chap.i^9 
which  k  vorfe,  it  dotbchoalee  the foule  of  the  creditour. 

Saint  AugufiUe  hzth  many  notable  paffages  againft  ufury.  in  pfal.36 
1  would  npt  faith  he,  that  you  fiould  bee  Vfurers,  and  therefore  I 
would  noiy  ~b  ecaufe  god  would  noty  for  if  /  would  noty  and  god 
would y  doe  it :  but  if  god  would  not, although  I  wot  willing,  bee 
pjould  doe  it  to  hie  owne  hurty  whofhould  doe  it.    But  whence 
is  it  manifeft  that  God  is  againfl  this  f    It  isfaid  in  a  certatne 
place,  bee  that  putteth  not  hid  money  to  ufury,  and  how  detefla- 
bley  bate  full  and  execrable  this  i*y  I  confider  b  ecaufe  the  Vfurers 
themf elves  doe  alfo  know.     Againe,  If  thc-u  fhalt  lend  out  to  In  the  fame  . 
ufury  to  a  man,  that  is y  /halt  give  thy  money  lent  to  him,    e/\KaIme. 
whom  thou  defi  expetl  to  receive  fomething  more   then  thou 
lavefl ,  not  onely  money,  but  any  thing  more  then  thou  ga* 
vefty  whether the  fame  be wheate,  or  whether  it  be  wine  or  offer- 
or any  thing  elfey  if  thou  expetlefi  to  receive  more  then  thou  ga- 
veft  thou  art  an  Vfurery  and  in  this  to  bee  condemned  and  not 
semmended.  •  Againe,  what  are  tbofe  ufuries  but  pnnes  which  In  Pfal.7 t« 
*re  called  debts,    Againe,  wbst  /ball  J  fay  of  moneys  gotten  by 
ufury ,  which  the  lawes  thcmfelves,  and  judges,  command  to  be  ^f^** 
refioredy  whether  is  bee  more  cruell  which  fiealtth,  or  by  force 
\aleetb  fomething  fiom  a  rich  man,  or  who  cruelly  flay  eth  a  poor  $ 
pan  with  ufury  f  Saiftt 


33*  TheChiftdnConftiti.   ^AChaV.i4. 

In  p£rf.  14.  Stint  Baft  is  hotter  agaihft  ufury,  faying,  Igekjet  ptAceth 
with  us  if.  ufury  among fi  the  great  efl  evils  x  andti  receive  men r  tie*  the 
princip*/l9-*-dogs receiving more, wax  e  gentle;  an Vfurer  recei- 
ving isprovoked — Art  thou  rich  doe  not  takf,  art  thou  poore  do 
not  ta\e.  He  termcs  Vfurers  Dogs,  mongers %  viper i  And 
divels. 
Horn  f  .in  5^  cbryfofiome  faith,  There  is  nothing  more  filthy  or  crtt- 

"  ,2,J  ell  then  ufury,  for  fitch  dee gaine  by  other  mem  perills,  andob* 

taineth  greater  profits  by  the  misfortune  of  others.  He  goeth 
on,  ftievvingwha?  ufury  he  would  have  them  feeke  for,name- 
ly  heaven,  andbefofehefaithj/»^rt/*rjashe  vvimeth  unto, 
namely  in  being  mercifiill,  bringeth  akingdsme,  but  thit  hell, 
thatuApgne  of  piety,  this  of  covetotffnefe.  Againe,  Chrift 
Hom.»*.  in  filth  he,  commands  Hf  to  lend  money,  not  by  ufury,  becAufe  hee 
Ti4t.  y.  who  lends  his  money  to  ufury,  feemes  At  the  firft  to  give  his  own, 

but  in  truth he  doth  not  give  his  owne,  but  takes  that  which  is 
Anithersths  feemestofucconrnecefftty,  but  in  truth  he  fends  A 
greater  neceffity,  hee  loofeth  fiomone  band,  and  bindes  in  ma- 
ny bands  ^  And  hee  doth  pot  give  for  the  jnfiice  ofCJod,  but 
for  his  owne  gaine  :  ufury  money  is  like  the  biting  of  an  a1&e9- 
forts  he  who  is  fmittcn  with  an  afpe  falleth  afi-fpt  *lcafunfbj, 
Aid  foinths  fweetn:ffe  of  fliepe  dieth,  fo  hee  who  receiveth  of 
ufury  k  delighted for  the  prefent,  as  if  hee  had  reeeived  a  good 
turn?,  and  fo  in  the  delight  of  a  benefit  perceived  not  horv  heio 
Hom.4i.u1  made  captive  %  Againe,  In  the fcfenfible  moneys  the  Lord  for- 
Gcn.i7-  biddeth  that  any /biuld  take  ufury,   why  and  for  what  caufe* 

'Becaufe  both  ii  damnified,  the  borrower  is  confumed  wtth  penu* 
ry,  and  the  lender  increafing  his  riches  doth  heape  together  to 
himfelfe  a  multitude  ofpnnes. 

a.  Councellx. 
ConcU.  fitter  t.  The  Councells  condemning  ufury ,  are  very  many.  In  the 
foure  hundred  yeere  after  Chrift,  it  was  in  Councells  decreed, 
That  if  Any  Clergy  man  was  dete&cdto  take  ufury,  he  (hculd  be 
degraded.  If, any  lay  man  was  proved  to  have  taken  ufury,  and 
being  reprooved, promifed  to  leave  it,  and  to  extfl  it  no  we, 
ihaihefauldbepardonedt  but  if be  continued  in  that  iniquity, 

that 


|SBCT;ir.  TheChriflUnConfitt.  333 

that  befho^iUe  caft  out  of  the  Church.    That  *JMtniJ}crs  who  Ardmrfu 
did  take  ufnry  according  to  the  divine  rule  fhouid  abftaine  fiem   Ccncli- 
the  Communion.    That  if  any  Clergy  man  did  give  hi*  money   *  ' 

to  ufury  ~-be  being  depefedfrom  his  effice  (hould  bee  debarred 
from  the  Communion.    That  no  Clergy  man  fhouid  take  ufury  ,    Cartha?.i. 
becaufe  that  nhich  is  faulty  in  Uy  men  ought  t  o  be  condemned  in 
OergJ  noen.    7  hat  it  is  not  larrfullfor  any  in  prieflly  orders  to   ^f*"*' 
takeufury.    That  Clergy  men  fhouid exercife no  kjnde of  u fur y.  cartb*fl*' 
That  Clarkes  fhouid  not  be  ufurers.  Cen.^cap.y. 

In  the  fife  hundred  veare  afcer  Chrift,  it  was  decreed,  That  N"en-  conciL 
no  Clergy  man  fiould  take  ufury.  Can.  I  8.  If  any  Clergyman  f^f*™^' 
doe  take  ufury  he  fhouid  be  thrusl  out  of  the  Clergy. 

In  the  fixt  hundred  yeare  after  Chrift,  it  was  decreed,7"k*f 
Clergy  men  fhouid  not  at  all  lend  toufury.  That  a  Clergy  man  <*j**1***  C°* 
fhouid  net  lend  his  money  to  n[ury>  either  in  his  ownt  name,  or  in 
another  mans  ,  nor  that  hee  /hould  expeQ  any  more  then 
woe  qiven,  and  if  any  did  fre fume  to  dot  otberwife,  that  hee 
Jhonld  be  degraded. 

In  the  ninth  hundred  yeare  after  Chrift,  It  was  decreed,   culiioncf. 
That  not  one ly  Clergy  men  fhouid  ahftaine  from  filthy  gaines   concii. 
and  ufury,  but  that  they  fhouid  inftrucl  the  people  committed 
to  then*)  to  akflaine  from  the  fame.    That  a  Clergy  man  from  MoTuntin. 
a  Deacon  and  upwards  fhouid  not  lend  money  to  ufury.    That 
neither  lay  Cbriftians,  nor  Clergy  men  in  their  owne  names      ^JiX^en:- 
or  in  any  others  (hould  lend  to  ufury.    That  David  deferring   Parifienf. 
an  evangelicallman  in  the  1 5 .  Pfalme  doth  forbid  ufury  in  ali, 
and  our  Lord  and  ^Matter  Chrisl  did  not  give  to  ufury  ,but  did 
with  apioia  bounty  give  to  the  needy  man* 

In  the  twelfth  hundred  yeare  after  Chrift,  it  was  decreed,  latero 
That  manifesl  Vfurers  [hculd  not  be  admitted  to  the  Communi-  tonal. 
on,  nor  to  receive  Chriftian  buriall  if  they  dyed  in  thU  fmne% 
that  their  offerings  fhouid  not  be  taken,  and  whofoever  tooke 
them,  or  bur  ted  them,  hee  (hould  be  compelled  to  reft  ore  thofe 
things  hee  had  taken,  and  he  fufpendedjrom  the  execution  of  his 
place  tent  ill  hee  had  fatisfied  his  Bifhop .  That  Vfurers  fhouid 
be  contained  nitb  firi& punifhments  toreflcre  their  ufury  mo- 
ney to  thofe  they  bad  wronged,  or  their  heires,  or  if  the(e  be  not 

alive, 


*£?*,  fa tbefoore,  while  they  have  ability  to  re/for*,  thatpoffef 
[tons  gotten  by  ufurj  ought  to  bee  fold,  and  the  price  t$ 
m^e  reftitutiou,  that  fo  they  might  be  freed  from  puni foment 
andfinne,  Tbdt  if  any  Clergy  man  is  an  ttfnreY  be  [kould  fujfer 
the  loffe  of  his  EcclcfiaflicAll  benefice ,  fince  the  name  of  nfnry  is 
fo  Abominable  to  God  and  men—that  all  Vfurers  untiB  they  doe 
fully  fatisfiefor  their  ufury,  flottldbe  debarred  from  the  Com- 
munion, their  a/mes  Jhoald  net  be  taken,  and  their  mils  Jhould 
not  be  of  force, 
CehnXoncil.  In  the  thirteenth  hundred  yeere  after  Chrifr,  itwasde- 
Onon  top.  cre-ed,  That  Vfurers  fhould  bee  excommunicated  every  Lords 
da y~x$t  admitted  to  the  communion— that  none  fhould  receive 
a/mes  of  them  and  that  they  (kould  not  have  any  Chrifiian 
bur  ia  11, 

The  Canons  of  our  Chnrch  agreedupon  in  the  yeere  ofour 
Lord,  i£o3«en;oyne  Church- Wardens  and  fidefmen,  to  pre- 
sent Adultery i  IVhercdome,  Jnceft^  <Drunkennefe,  Swearing, 
RibauJdry,  Vfuryorany  other  wickedneffe  of  life, the*  they  may 
he  puni/hed  with  the  fever  it y  ofthelawes — and  not  admitted  to 
the  Communion  untitl  they  be  reformed. 

For  Lawes. 
3>  Iamnotverft  in  forraine  Lawes,  nor  in  the  civillor 
Canon  lawes,  and  therefore  I  cannot  alledge  them  of  mine 
owne  reading,  or  upon  mine  owne  knowlcdge,for  thefe  ther- 
fore  I  depend  upon,and  direct  you  unto  the  rhetorical)  and  re- 
ligious difcourfe  of  the  right  revered  Bifliop  lewel  againft 
uiury,  on  l  The  ff. 4. 6.  where  he  faitb,that  no  good  man  ever 
ufed  ir,  allthat  feare  Gods  judgements,  abhorre  it,  He  faith  it 
is  filthy  gaine,  a  workc  of  darkeneflc,  a  monfkr  in  nature, 
a  plague  of  the  world,  and  the  mifery  of  the  people.  J^Jee 
faith  it  is  not  of  God,  nor  found  amongft  Gods  children. 
He  faith  it  comes  from  the  divell,  that  it  is  theft  and  murder. 
That  there  was  never  any  religion,nor  fec%  nor  ftate,  nor  de- 
gree nor  profcfllon  of  men  but  have  difliked  it :  and  that  all 
lawes  civil],  canon,  temporall  and  naturall  condemns  it.  Yet 
this  I  know  that  Linwood  in  his  Conftitutions  about  tithes,  al- 

lovveth 


loweth  not  tkheyof  ufe-moiicy ;    becaufe  of  goods  onely  f!*w,<^'V' 
lawfully  gotten :  and  this  I  know,  that  as  our  Canons,  To  our  ^jff   e      * 
A<fts  of  Parliament  arc  direftly  againfl  ufury.  The  Statutes  in 
the  20.  yeare  of  King  Htncry  the  third,  in  the  third  yeareof 
King  Henery  the  feventh  were  made  againft  afury. 

A  Statute  in  the  eleventh  yeare  of  King  Hemry  the  feventh, 
forbiddeth  to  take  loane  of  moneys*]  thing  more  be  fides  or  above 
the  money  lentyby  w,iy  oftdntracl  or  covenant,  for  the  time  of  the 
fame  loane ,  faving  lawfufl  penalties  for  non-payment  of  tte 
fame  money  lent.    A  Statute  made  in  the  thirty  feventh  yeare 
of  King  Henery  the  eight,  faith,  That  ufury  is  a  thing  unlaw- 
full,  that  divers  ssffts  have  beene  made  in  this  Realme  for  the- 
avoiding  and  punning  of  it.   Yet  they  thought  it  expedient  to 
tolerate  10  in  the  1 00.  And  leafl  fome  fhould  thinke  that  this 
tolleration  was  an  approbation.   The  Parliament  aflembled  in 
the  hTt  and  fixt  yearcs  of  King  Edward  the  fixt,  fay,  That  the 
ex^tf  of  King  Henery  the  eight,  which  permitted  I O  in  &* 
loo,  was  not  meant  or  intended  for  the  maintenance  and  allow- 
ance of  ufury,  but  rather  made  and  intended  againfi  all  forts  of 
ufury, as  a  thing  unlawfully  as  by  the  title  and  preumble  of  the 
faid  A&  it  doth  appear e-'-'But  for  as  much  as  ufury  is  by  the 
the  Word  of  God  utterly  prohibited,as  a  vice  mofl  odious  and  de- 
ferable, at  in  divers  places  of  the  holy  Scriptures  it  is  evident 
to  bee  feene  :  which  though  no  godly  teaching  and  perfwapons 
can  Jinks  into  the  hearts  of  divers  greedy  uncharitable  and  cove* 
tow  per  font  of thit  Realme,  nor  yet  by  any  terrible  threat ningt 
of  Gods  wrath,  and  vengeance  which  hangeth  juflly  over  thit 
Realme  for  the  great  and  open  ufury  theriu  daily  ufed  and  pra- 
Bifed,  they  will  for  fake  fuch  filthy  gaiue  and  lucre  y&c.  for  re~ 
formation  they  prohibited  notonely  the  1  o  in  the  1  co,  but  al- 
Co  dny  thing  above  the  principall  lent, upon  paine  of  forfeiture  of 
the  money  lent,  andtheinitreftyimprifenmentoft,jebody,and 
fine  and  ranfome  at  the  Kings  will  and  pleafure.     Although 
this  law  was  repealed,  and  that  of  King  Henery  the  eight  for 
10  in  the  I  oo,  revived  in  the  thirteenth  yeare  of  Queene  <f#- 
KAbeth,  and  continued  Parliament  after  Parliament.     Yet  in 
the  faid  Ad  for  10  iiuhc  *oo,  they  %>  for  as  much  as  all 

nfurj. 


J 


ttfury  being  forbidden  by  the  law  of  God  is  /snne^avd  deferable. 
And  our  lall  law  allowing  8  in  the  1  oo;  is  called  a  law  againft 
ufury. 

For  Authors  produced  as  patrons  ofufury, 
4.  I  have  fearched  with  acarefull  iedulity  iome  of  thofe 
Authors  of  great  eft  note,of  whom  ufurers  are  fo  glad,  where- 
ot  they  (b  much  glory,  on  whom  they  rely,  as  upon  a  'afe  and 
fure  refuge,  and  to  whom  they  have  recourfc  as  to  an  impreg- 
nable rampart  and  receptacle  :    neither  can  I  finde  them  fau- 
tors,favourers  and  furtherers  of  this  fraternity. 
Amzfk  confei*      ?><.  Ames  faith,all  ufury  is  not  unk  wfu:l,yet  he  alfo  faith  .that 
ent  lib.  *.  de      fuch  kindof  ufury  which  Vfurers ordinarily  pra&ife,  is jjft) y 
*o*raau  ufu-  condemned  by  all. 

Then  ftiewing  what  ufury  he  thinkes  is  lawful],  hee  fets 
downethe(ecautions3and  conditions,  which  give  no  allow- 
ance or  incouragement  to  Vfurers. 

1 .  Nothtng,imh  he,mufl  be  taken  of  poors  men,  more  then 
the  principal* y6ut  tliey  musl  be  lent  to  freely  t 

2.  Every  man  mufl  take  heed  that  through  hope  ofgaine  hee' 
ditb  not  hinder  anyyand  therefore  that  he  doth  not  negletl  to  lend 
and  give  freely, 

3.  A  manmuft  fhnn  excejfe,  and  therefore  it  ufafesl  not 
to  take  fomuch  m  u  permitted  by  the  larses  or  enflome  of  4 
place* 

4.  Hemufthaverejpeclto  the  party  of  whom  he  tak*tb>  that 
he  brings  not  loffe,  but  profit  to  him* 

$  •  He  e  muft  obferve  the  rule  of  equity  and charity ffo  that  hi 
takes  no  more^f  another  then  he  would  willingly  give  in  fuch  ca~ 
fefhimfelfe* 

6,  He  muft  take  heed  that  he  gives  no  offence. 

Mr.  Perkjns  is  alledged  as  a  favourer  of  ufury,  yet  Mr. 

Perk.on  Com.  PerHni  defining  ufury  to  be  a  gaine  exacted  by  covenant  above 

g#  "  the  principal!,  onely  in  lieu  and  recompence  of  the  lending, 

faith  it  is  quite  contrary  to  Gqds  Word  :  and  in  the  place  al-_ 

ledged,namely,  <JM'atth.$.  42*  He  onely  alloweth  of  taking 

increafe  for  lending,  of  curtefie.  1  In  way  pf  thankfullnefle,  ,< 

'  '3  When 


lf« 


1  When  a  man  fuftaineth  dammage  by  his  lending,  $  And 
when  a  man  is  contented  to  hazard  his  principall.  How  juftly 
they  deale  with  this  author  all  men  may  judge. 

Amanda*  PoUmuisyrztfz&as  a  patron  of  ufury*    He  faith  ^tozn  pfil 
there  are  three  kindes  of  u fury. 

¥M9£ompenfiiiory  is  that  rvhicb  is  given  to  recommence  the 
juft  loffe  which  the  creditor  hath  or  doth  f asinine  for  want  of  the 
money  lent.  This  is  faich  he  lawfully 

I  •  fBecaufe  it  is  not  gaine  exacled  above  the  principal/ for  the 
office  of  linking. 

2.  'Becaufc  it  is  agreeable  with  the  office  of  humanity ,  rehich 
commandtth  thee  fo  to  helpe  another ,  that  thon  fave  thy  felfe 
karmelejfe. 

3.  Becaufe  it  is  permuted  by  the  constitutions  ofChrifitam 
Emperours, 

4  'Becaufe  common  necefftty  and  the  commodity  of  traffique 
recjnirethit. 

j .  B  ecauft  it  recompenct  ththe  loffe  of  the  credit  our  which  n* 
reafon  prohibit eth.  + 

Secondly,  Punitory  is  that  which  is  infiicled  by  man,  otr 
by  law  for  apaine,  not  for  the  gaine  of  them  that  deftre  it, 
but  for  the  delay  of  them  that  pay  it  not y  which  cannot  bee  dif- 
Avowed. 

I .  Becaufe  it  recompeafeth  the  loffe  which  the  credit  our 
hath  fuftained,  for  that  the  money  was  not payd  at  the  appoin- 
ted time, 

a.  Becaufe  it  is  a  juH  punifhment  of  the  delay ,  which 
is  counted  for  a  fault ,  worthily  therefore  infltcled  on  the 
debtor. 

Thirdly,  Lucratory  is  that  which  maketh  gaine  by  the 
meere  office  of  lending  .again ft  the  nature  of  a  contrary  a  kind 
whereof  is  ufury  of  ururiisy  which  even  by  the  G( utiles  opinion 
it  infamous, alfo  all  ufury  which  oppreffeth  pecre  men,  or  make  J 
menpoorc  .This  kinde  of  ufury  he  faith  is  unlawfull. 

I.  Becatife  this  is  for  bidden  by  g0d. 

a ,  B  ecauft  it  is  againfl  the  office  of  humanity  which  forbiddeth 
to  sxatl  a  reward  for  that  which  is  to  be  done  freely. 

Z  ^Becaufe 


3.  BecOitfe  it  is  aaf  rf  lawful  I  meanes  of  getting  wealth  appro* 
ved  by  the  law  of  nations )  or  by  the  eivill  law,  bat  an  Art  altoge- 
ther dif&llowed  by  con  fent  of  all  people,  feeing  tt  is  a  gaine  made 
of  another  man  without  ajufl  caufe. 

4 .  Becanfe  it  is  againfl  the  nature  of  lending  which  ought  to 
be  free* 

5 .  Be  caufe  it  is  again  ft  the  nature  of  indifferent  ufe  of  money 
yphich  was  found  to  helpe  the  difficulties  of  ex  change, not  to  make 
a  gaine, or  be  hired  for  reward. 

6.  Becaufe  it  is  an  unjufl  thing,  feeing  thereby  the  Vfurerfee- 
leeth  gaine out  of that  thing,  theloffe  and  pert  A  whereof  be/on- 
geth  not  to  himtbut  to  the  debtor. 

They  have  great  need  of  Patrons,  who  flye  for  protecli- 
on  and  patronage  to  fuch,  who  do  fo  fharply  and  peremptori- 
ly condemne  them. 

Hemingius  on  lames  the  fift  is  alledged.  In  that  place  hee 
propundeththisqucftion,whether  it  is  lawfullto  covenant  for 
part  of  the  gaine?  And  anfwereth  that  a  man  may  indeed 
doe  fo,  fo  that  hee  It^ewife  take  part  of  the  danger  upon 
himftlfe,  *A  man  may  demand  5;  1  for  an  100  1  by  they  ear  e 
as  part  of  the  gaine ,  fo  that  in  like  manner  hee  bee  conten- 
ted to  abate  5  I  of  the  100] principal t \if loffe  bee  made,  for 
hee  which  bargaineth  for  fo  much,  with  condition  ef  game, 
and  would  fuffer  no  loffe,  doth  indeed  commit  ufury.  He 
fpeakes  alfo  of  thankefollnefle,  and  making  good  the  lofle 
the  creditour  fufTers  by  delay  of  payment.  But  what  is 
this  to  juftifie  ufury. 

Zanchy  on  Ephefa.ip.  is  as  they  thinke  an  impregnable 
bulwarke,  and  an  invincible  fortification,  yet  he  there  brings 
ufury  amongft  the  kinds  of  theft.  True  it  is  he  doth  reject  the 
ordinary  definition  of  ufury :  and  alloweth  of  fome  kinde 
of  ufury.  But  little  to  the  comfort  and  incouragement  of 
ufurers.  He  faith  ufury  condemned  U  a  gaine  which  is  ex a&e& 
or  fallen  above  the  principal  with  the  dammage  of  the  debtor  for 
the  money  lent.  But  that  which  is  without  dammage  he  thinks 
islawfullandtothispurpofe  he  hath  eight  reafons.  Then  he 
anfwereth  this  qucftion  whether  it  bee  lawfull  to  agree 

upon 


upon  a  cerfaine  fumme  ,  affirming  #/  f*  £**  lawfull , 
provided  that  if  a  man  doth  certainelj  finde  that  the  debtor 
bath  made  Utile  or  no  gain r,  and  that  not  by  his  owne  fault 
or  negligence,  but  by  evill  fucceffe,  or  becaufe  Cjod  would 
not  blrjfe  his  labour,  then  the  creditor  muH  take  little  or 
leffe  then  was  bat  gained,  for  ctherwife  the  gaine  u  a_rde- 
fr  an  ding  of  the  debt  cur,  and  it  cannot  bee  taken  without  his 
ioffe,  and  fou  not  lawfull  ufury — tsfndif  the  debtonr  not  one- 
ly  make  no  gain*,  but  alfo  receiveth  loffe,  then  the  creditor  mufi 
fuffer  with  him  (omep^rt  of  the  loffe,  for  eejuity  and  charity  re- 
quirctb  thu.  Then  fctting  downe  ccrtaine  circum fiances  to  be 
obferved,  thefe  are  three : 

1 .  7  he  mony  ought  to  bee  to  his  profit  that  receiveth  it,  and 
not  to  his  hurt \ 

2.  gratitude  mufl  be  obfervedby  the  borrower. 
2 .  And  charity  mufl  beprefent  on  both  fides. 

Then  he  lakh  itflowcth  from  three  fountaines  that  men  lend 
nnto  others. 

1 .  From  covetoufneffe  by  which  wicked  men  are  led. 

2 .  From  naturall  humanity  con\oyned  with  equity  by  which 
civ  ell  hone  ft  men  lend. 

3.  From  meere  charity  for  gods  fake,  by  which  Chriflians 
and  meere godly  men  are  led. 

And  then  hee  faith,  feeing  it  u  apart  of  humanity  and  equi- 
ty tore  quite  benefit  for  benefit,  audit  is  no  common  benefit  that 
J  have  lent  thee  my  money  whereof  thou  has!  made  great  gaine. 
Chrift  condemneth  not  this,  If  thou  taleefl  part  of  that  gaine  and 
communicates  the  fame  to  the  bene  fabler  in  token  of  a  tkankffull 
minde  and  of  equity. 

But  the  maine  is  M  Calvin,  a  man  ofpeerelefle  guifts,  pro- 
found judgement3and  holy  life.  He  is  alledged  as  a  protector 
of  thefe  pernicious  pracliies.  But  how  juftly  let  ail  men  judge. 

He  faith,* »  a  well  ordered  Common-wealth  no  ufury  is  tolera-  Calvin  in 
blc— -That  ufury  is  an  illiberall  and  difyone ft  gaine  nnbefeeming  Ezck.i8,&. 
as  well  a  godly  as  an  honeft  man.Hc  faith  that  an  Vfurer  ts  a  mur- 
derer and  a  theefe,  he  faith,  *#>  isfcarce  pofftblc  that  he  which  ta- 
Iteth  ufury  jhould  not  damnifie  hU  brother .In  his  epiflle  concer-   Calv.  E rift. 

Z  2  ning 


ningufury  he  faith,/?  were  to  be  wifhedthat  aS  Vfurers  and  the 
name  of  them  were  bmifhed  out  of  the  werld.  Th^X.  commonly 
when  money  ispnt  forth  to  ufury ,cr ueli y  jnnnmer able  deceits y& 
circumventions  accompany  the  fame.  That  ^mon^fl  the  pracli- 
fes  of  Godly  men  this  is  one.  He  hath  not  gtvsn  his  money  lonfu- 

In  DJUt.25.  Tj^  That  it  is  more  then  rare  that  the  f*.me  mm  (hould  bee  an 
benettmanand  an  Vfurer.  O  1  Dent.  -23.  He.  faith,  it  can 
hardlybee  av&ided  bnt  that  Vfurtrs  like  horfe leeches  wiM fucke 
the  people  sblood.  That  ft  nee prophane  writers  have  reckoned 
the  praStife  of  n fury  amongJl  filthy  g*inesy  much  le ffe  it  it  tole- 

In  Pfal  <  rable  amongft  the fonnes  of  god.  On  the  I  5.  Pfalme,  He  /aith, 
It  can  hardly  be  that  in  the  world  there  can  bee  found  an  Vfurer 
which  u  not  ravenous,  and  not  given  to  fit  thy  and  unjufl  gaine. 
He  faith,  it  is  againfl  reafon  that  while  husbandmen,  handy* 
crafts  menficc,  labour  and  offer  themfelves  to  many  troubles 
for  the  common  goody  only  thefe  fhould  reapegaine  by  the  finite  s 
of  all  forts  of  men. 

If  Vfurers  rightly  reade  Calvin  fiity  will  not  thinkethem- 
fclves  much  beholding  to  him. 

Ob.  But  C*/w»  allowethof  ufury,  andaffirmeth  it  to  bet 
la  w  full. 

Anfw%  1.  Did  Calvin  doe  fo  indeed,  I  fhould  tbinkc  that 
excellent  men  have  their  errours,leaftHve  fhould  make  them 
more  then  men,  and  too  much  depend  upon  them. 
a.  True  it  is,  in  fome  fort  he  doth 

1 .  Provided  that  the  lender  doth  not  make  a  common  or 
perpetuall pra&ife  of  this  l>iude  ofjending,  but  onely  for  fome 
jpare  money  wherewith  he  hath  pleafund  hid  friend^  being  able 
and  willing  to  fbew  himfelfe  thankefull,  doth  for  the  pre fent  ac- 
cept of  his  thankefullneffe  and  reqnitall. 

2.  'Provided  that  nothing  be  taken  above  the  principall 
of  men  in  need ^and  neceffityy  or  in  any  calamity. 

£•  Provided  that  none  be  focautelous  about  thefafety  of 
hii  money  as  not  to  lend  to  the  poore. 

4.  Provided  that  nothing  be  received  that  is  not  agree* 
able  with  natur  all  equity  Recording  to  that  rule  wbatfoever  yoa 
wovldjkc, 

5.    ?f9* 


J..  Provided that  the  borrower  (bould  gtine  tsnmch  or 
wore  then  the  lender, 

3.  Whereas  he  names  lawfull  and  unlawful]  ufury,  hee  no 
whit  contrad ids  that  which  the  ftrifteft  oppofites  to  ufury 
teach  and  affirme:  for,  That  which  they  call  partner/hip,  re- 
compence  for  dammage,  and  thankfullneffe  he  calle.th  lawjull 
ufury  ,taking  the  word  in  a  larger  fenfe  then  they  doe,  not  ac- 
counting thefe  any  ufury  at  all.  That  which  they  tcarme 
ufury,he  calleth  unlaw  full  ufury.  So  that  Qdvin  is  with  us,aud 
notagainftus. 

Religions  condemning  ufiiry. 

5.  All  forts  of  religions  concordantly  condemne  ufury, 
both  heathenifh,hereticall,and  orthodoxe. 

For  Heathens  it  is  well  knowne  and  ufually  alledged,  TuloficMhu 
that  Cat0  being  demanded  what  it  was  to  take  ufury,  asked    caB  ulttm- 
what  it  was  to  kill  a  man;  as  if  hee  had  faid,  itjs  cruelty, 
yea  very  murder.     And  the  fame  Cato  faid,  our  Aunce-  Ltb-l'den 
flours  punifhed  a  theefe  twofold , % and  an  Vfurer  foure-  JjSiw,, 
fold.  Alfo  thofeufuall  places  of  tAriftotle  in  the  firft  booke  cap.6}7. 
of  his  politikes,  Chap.6.  and  7.  condemning  ufury  as  an  ex-  jPW/7.4.  cap.i* 
ecrable  vice  :  as  alfo  his  reckoning  Vfurers  in  the  ranke  <  ♦  no. 
torioufly  naughty  men  :  doe  famciently  (lie  w  his  detcftation 
of  the  fame.v*^  bis  burning  all  Vfurers  bonds:  and  a^- 
gefilata  faying  he  never  faw  a  clearer  fire.    Ciceroes  faying, 
that  ufury  is  more  again  ft  nature  then  death,  and  that  Vfiirer* 
are  as  thole  who  kill  a  man ;  doe  manifeft  how  Philofophers, 
and  other  Heathens  did  abominate,  and  abhor  re  this  trade  of 
ufury.   To  thefe  I  will  add  the  Lflfabumetanf,  who  arc  fb 
diredand  downe-right,that  their  Alcaron  faith,  Thofe  who  7>efa*wt  vU 
liveofufurj  Jbaltrife  like  men  fo/feffed  of  dtvels,  and   that  ^^Jd*"*^ 
ever  j  one  whofeareth  Qod%  mufl  ejpeciallj  take  heed  that  he  doth  ^lli reurJent. 
not  live  by  ufury  %  Alcaron.  Aw 

ar.1.4. 
Omni  timenti'*Deum  fumme  cavendum  tft  nt  de  fecnore  vivet,  Azoara-  6. 

for  Papifts,  it  is  well  knowne  that  they  condemne  ufury, 

Z  j  as 


3  4  3  iwt  tmjnan  Lonjitct*  ^  h  a  p  •  14.. 
Sel*m-1- l,ih*  as  BeRarmine  in  divers  places  on  the  eight  Commande- 
B'/.  !S£."  ment  (tne  Seventh  with  him  fpeaking)of  thefts  forbidden 
drift  iana  in  the  Commandement,  in  the  fecond  p'acchee  nameth  all 
dotf.cap.is.  ufury.  Gerfon  hath  divers  Chapters  again!*  uliiry,  where- 
Gcrfon  de  con-  jn  hee  affirmes  it  to  bee  a  mortal  1  fin,  unlawful!.  Bonaven- 
7fTff  *'<.  '*"  fpeakingof  the  fecond  Table  faith,  heere  alfo  ufury  is 
Bi*tvM*l. '  %hidden.  Toilet  amYmeth  ufury  to  bee  a  mortall  finne. 
dijf.^7.  Zamb^rd  faith,  ufury  is  forbidden  in  the  eight  Commande- 
rs/ b.^  ment.   JsJuoUhs  de  Orbeltii,  handling  many  things  about  re- 

e.aP  t8, , ,-,       ftitution  and  ufury,  propounds  this  qurftion :   What  dee'  you 
Iwnoara  lib***      ••/       r    i    r  i  i  •  i  •       r       *        j        r  i 

di/?.27.  ttiink*  of  tho[e  law* t  which  permit  nfury  <  and  anivvererb, 

Nicol.de  orhel.  they  are  of  no  force,  becaufe  they  are  againfl  the  divine  Uw, 

dift.i^.q.i  1 1 .  they  a*e  againfl  the  Uw  of  nature — and  they  are  abrogated  by 

Nzvor.  Man.  the  Canon  Uw.    Tttrpu  Alogi**  hath  divers  queftions  a- 

mjegp  oclav.  jX)Ut  ukiry  ancj  teftjtLltiorj)  commending  the  one  as  neceffary, 

Ce  t      C      6     condeniin^g  theotherasunlawfi.il!. 

Cent.  1  z. Cap.  2  The  Orthodoxe  primitive  Chriltians  accounted  ufury  un- 
lawfull, anVfurer  worfe  then  the  divell,  beciufe  the  divell 
ufeth  his  owne  talent  to  doe  mifchiefe,  the  Vfurer  not  his 
owne,  but  Gods, 

deufu/0™7'  Ltither  faith  thuS'  vf*rers  dre  the  crtielt  d™*"yg"  of  the 

Vfurari)  funt  whole  world,  they  have  given  themfelves  wholly  to  the  DivcB9 
immanes  totius  neither  dse  they  any  thitg  efleeme  our  fpeeches,  although  rin- 
orbiivoratores,  ging\  of  thefe  I  have  fboken  that  they  are  to  bee  delivered 
jzterunt  fe  u  $atan  whether  living  or  dead,  for  his  they  would  bee ;  and 
quicqulm  mo-  f^Mt  »°Cbriftian  commerce  bee  kjpt  with  them  :  fay  O  Curate 
rantur  no/it os  &**  **  itflwghtly  forbidden  to  thee  by  the  law  ofQodto  efleeme 
clamores  qmn-  any  Vfurer  for  a  Chriflian  man,  to  offer  him  the  Sacrament tyor 
-tuffiviifomrosi  yQneftly  to  bury  him.  Say  0 \  Preacher,    J  may  not  throw  my 

de  b«  hcutut    rtr  headlong  to  hell  with  thee,  goe  thott  and  defc end  into  hell 

Cum  quod  finr  1    J  .         &      ,n     ,        y.6„  /  ;  j 

tamviviqiiam  a^0He — '  admontfh  therefore  you  Preachers  t-hat  you  doe  your 
mortui  traden-  duty,  lit  them  die  like  dogs,  that  the  divell  may  devoure  their 
dl-  Satanz(nam 

ejuiejfevolwit)  ncc  qutcquam  drift  iani  commercijeum  iffii  habendum.  7)ie  (Paroche) 
tibieffe  interditlumdeDeoneu!himufuranumhcibia&  prohomine  Cbrifttano,  nee  Sacra* 
menta  porrigere,.  nee  hone ft e  fepelire.  Non  ideo  fun  Concionator  (die)  ut  ad  inferos 
tecum  me  prxcipitem,  ah:  iu  tsf  defcende  foists  ad  inferos—  ves  erzo  Farochos  admoneo, 
jacite  ojjidum  -vefirum  [mite  iUos  inftar  eanum  mori  ;    ut   'DiabQtas  devoret  cum 

fouUt 


yW*/  anybodies:  wither  let  them  bee  prefent  in  any  Chrifiiam  wpmbn,  a 
CongregAtiony  for  if  'any  plague  /ball  bee  fent  into  Cjcrm*-  animabus,  net 
uy,  which  ffeare  will  bee  fljordjy  it  will  come  to  pajfe  priuci-  uUocxtuiChri 
fatly  for  covetoufneffe  and  ufury  y  becaufe  wee  fufer  thofe  ^mfahl 
execrable  and  damned  men  to  live  amongfi  */,  and  becaufe  wee  p\aga  Germa 
have  commerce  with  them,  efpccial/y  O&agiftrates  JhaU  anfwer  nU  fucrit  im 
forthiitoCody  and /halt  be  more  grievoufly  p unified,  becaufe  mi/f*i  Mqw 
they  fujfcrfuchwtckedtheeves  without punifhment  torpb,  and  ^  /■££ 
to  dejlroy  by  ufury  in  their  dominion;,  ^  Td'fietpTo} 

ter  avaritiai 
(?  ururfis,pr6ptcrea  quj.iexccranJos  is?  damnatos  iftos  homines  inter  not  pajft  fumus  v\ 
i  erei  (tf  quod  commercium  am  ijshabuimw,  przcipuc  Magiflratm  rationem  reddituri  fw 
%)co3& gravifer punienmrjquodtam/celeTatos  latrwes  pajft  Junt  in ditibnibm  fu'u  impi 
yie gr ajar i)(2JjtBtcran.lQ  depnedari.  Luther  Tom. 7.  deuiur.     Fol.42,4.  Fol.4z6.fo 

Concerning  our  Church  as  pure  and  Orthodoxe  as  any  un- 
der the  cope  of  heaven,  wee  may  boldly  affirme  that  it  is  al- 
together oppofite  to  ufury :  Witncflfe  her  1  op  Canon.   Wit- 
nefle  many  of  her  worthy  Prelates?  and  other  grave  and  god- 
ly Divines,  who  have  written  at  large  againft  this  fin :  as 
Bifhop  Iewely  B.  Downtmy  D.Fenton  and  others:  and  wit- 
nefle  her  pious  Homilies,in  one  of  them,calling  goods  gotten  5<  part  again 
by  ufury,  unjnft  gotten  goods  :  and  in  another,  goods  of  the  pcnllofidol. 
divels  gift,and  them  worfhippers  of  thedivell.    I  will  con-  ForRog.-ycc 
elude  this  with  M.  Ainfworths  relation  of  the  opinion  of 
fome  of  thechiefeft  Iewes  concerning  ufury.     Vfury  and  Ainfoortb,o 
increafe  areboth  onet&ing,  Levit.2^.^ytrDeut.2^.ip.   and  £x0:llV/z^ 
why  is  the  name  of  it  called  ne/hek.  biting  ufury  f    becaufe  no-   ny^TreaufTc 
fhekjt  bitethy  for  it  nippeth  thy  neighbour,  andeatetb  hidfiePk--  the  lender  an 
lUeewife  it  is  unlawful  to  have  ought  to  do  betweene  the  borrow*   borrower , 
cr  and  the  lender  upon  vftsry ;  and  whofoever  U  either  fur  ety,  or  ch  JP* l  • Sc<a- 
fcribeyor  witneffe  between  themjhe  tranfgreffeth  again  ft  thu  pro* 
kibition.  Ex.22.2y— He  that  lends  upon  ufury  tranfgreffeth 
again/} thu  prohibition.  Exod.2%.2%.  Levity, iy.&c.  and 
the  borrower  againfl two.    Deut.23.i9.  Levit.\$  14.  It  it 
unlawfull to  ts{e  ufury  before  or  after.    As  one  intending  to 
(orrow  of  a  man  fends  him  a  gift,  to  the  end  that  bee  may  lend 

Z  4  nnt9 


34*  *  nc  cnnjtwt  conjita.       ^ha*.i4# 

unto  him,  this  is  ufnrie  aforehand;  or  hee  hath  borrowed  of 
4  man,  and  paid  him  againe ,  and  puds  him  4.  gift  for  bis 
Monty  whieh  hee  had  of  him  for  nought  >  this  is  after-u- 
furie. 

Scriptures  againft  uftiry. 
6.  In  trie  fixe  and  laft  place,  the  places  of  Scripture  prohi- 
biting ufury  are  plentiful],  plaine  and  pregnant. 
Ex  id,  22.25.  ThoH  (halt  not  lay  on  him  ufury, 
Lev.i$  36.  Take  no  ufury,  but  feare  thy  God%  as  if  an  ufurer 
didnotfeareGod. 

'Deut,  2  3  1 9.  Thou  [halt  not  lend  upon  nfury  to  thy  brother , 
that  God  may  b/efe  thee* 

Nehem.  ?.  7,  x  o,  1 i, 1 2  ,1 $ .    The  Ievves  are  reprooved 
for  their  ufury,  perfwaded  and  en;oyned  to  make  refti- 
tution. 
n«p4 '•  £w       PfaL I  <$.<;.  He  that  putteth  not  hu  money  to  ufnry. 
*S»';«n  ?-rS        Pfal$J.%I.  The  wicked  ta^et  for  lending,  and  will  not  re* 
t  0  accTit  ftere'       tne  Words  carie  this  fenie  as  they  will,  and  theanti- 
tptiK&nm    thefis  or  contrary  defcription  of  the  godly,  (Ver.  a  1.1 5.  i?^ 
ftitue  1.  the  righteons  (heweth  mercy  andgiveth,  he  id  ever  mercifntl  And 

Imdeth)  feerae  to  import.  Then  it  is  a  note  of  a  wicked  man 
to  exact  for  lending,  and  not  to  re  ft  ore, 
]*<*  'PfaL  $5.12.  Vfury  (or  deceipt )  and  guile  depart  not  from 

rnoienp  berftreets.  The  Septuagint  read  it  ufury,  fo  do  S.  Augufline 
and  Theodoret  on  this  place.  The  iame  word  is  uled  Pfal.ji. 
,  14.  He  [bah  re  dee  me  their  foule  from  ufury  (or  deceit)  and 
violence.  Vfury  therefore  is  a  lamentable  note  of  a  linfull 
place. 
m  r**w  r^i  PfaL  89.  a  a.  The  enemie  [hah  not  exatl  upon  him  as  an  ufurer ', 
neither  [hall  &c.  Noting  ufurers  as  enemies,  and  fonnes  of 
wickednefle. 

'Pfal.  109.  II.  Let  the  ufurer  catch  all  that  he  hath.  The 
fame  word  is  uftd  Exod.  aa.  a$.  and  here  by  Pagnine  and 
Montanw  it  is  translated  ufurer.  Vfurers  therefore  are  grie- 
vous oppreflburs*  catchers  and:  consumers  of  mens  fub- 
flance. 


^*ct,ii.  TheCbrtjttanCtnjim.  347 

Prov.lt .7.  The  hewer  Is  fervtnt  to  the  ufurer.   Thus 
Ptgnine  ariirmeth  S.Hicrom  to  read  it,and  the  word  is  fo  ufed, 
iW&.$.4.  Which  placef  if  in  that  fenfc  it  may  be  readjfhew- 
eth  two  evil!  eff  eels  ofufury,impoverifoing-the  borrower,and 
bringing  him  into  flavifh  bondage. 

Prov.  29  1 5 .  The  poore  And  the  *f*rer,  out  tranflation  relids 
it,  7A<?  d<ceitfullm*n  or  ufnrer  meet  together.  That  is,  he  im- 
poverifheth  them  who  by  borrowing  meet  with  him.  The 
Lord inlighteneth  both  their  eyes.  The  eyes  of  the  poore  are 
inlightcned  to  fee  his  folly  being  impoverished,  the  ufurers  fo, 
as  often  they  are  convinced  of  their  crime,  yea  fo  that  forne  of 
them  are  converted. 

^^,18.8, 13,17.  Thrice  doth  the  Lord  reprehend  this 

"  finne,  and  ranks  it  with  the  greateft  finnes,  as  idolatry,murder, 

oppreflion,  and  afrlrmeth  that  fuch  finners  fhall  not  live.    So, 

-fc^.22.7.to  12.  there  is  a  catalogue  of  capitall  ana^crimfon 

abominations,  in  which  number  ufury  is  one. 

Thus,  oh  you  mis-knowing  and  mjferably  deluded  ufurers, 
may  manifeftly  fee  and  perceive,  that  the  ancient  Fathers,  that 
Councels  and  Convocations,that  pious  and  wholfome  Lawes, 
that  your  owne  patrons  and  prote&ours,  as  you  have  beene 
mif  informed,  that  religions,  good  and  bad,  and  the  facred 
fan&ifying  Word  of  God  do  abominate  and  abhorre  as  accur- 
fed,  do  confute  and  condemne  as  execrable,  do  diffwadc  from 
and  denounce  judgements  againfl:  this  vicious  and  unwarranta- 
ble way,wherein  you  fo  unadvifedly  and  inconfidcrately  do 
wander. 

Ob)eft%  1 .  Say  not  therefore  (pleading  perverfely  for  rBaal^ 
as  alas  too  many  do)  beloved  brethren,  that  ufury  is  forbidden 
ondy  to  the  poore,  not  to  the  rich,  Exod.  2 1 . 2  ? . 
tsfnfr**  But  carefully  and  confeionably  confider, 
1 .  That  in  the  fore- named  place  there  is  a  double  object, 
the  one  general!,  my  people :   the  other  fpecial  1,  the  poore  : 
and  that  the  ingerninatton  of  the  prepofltion  E  T  H  cannot 
properly  be  a  qualification  of  one  fubjeel,  and  therefore  may  . 
well  be  read  thus:  If  thorn  lend  money  to  Any  of mj  feoplc,  or 
totbefoorebjthee^ 

*.  Fot 


1 .  For  the  Lord  forbids  to  take  any  increafe  of  the  poore 
ftranger,  Lev.2%.^6. 

2.  Alfoofany brother,  Bent.2^  19. 

wt\  2.  The  word  ufed  in  that  place  doth  not  fignific  one  al  waies 
defiring,  wanting,  and  extreame  needy,  a*  i*w  Dent.  1 5,4, 1 1 . 
doth.   But  luch  a  one  who  is  neither  very  rich,  nor  extreame 

^3  poore,  I  CbroH.21.14, 1  in  my  poverty  have  prepared  >&<:. 

3 .  That  rich  and  wealthy  men  are  to  be  accounted  aliens 
and  Grangers,  andnottobeeflcemed  brethren,  if  this  coate- 
quence  is  not  criminous  and  culpable,  'Dcttt.i  3 . :  9. 

4.  That  this  is  no  good,  or  well  grounded  inference,  take 
not  of  the  poore,  therefore  thou  mayeft  take  of  the  rich  for, 
by  the  famereafon  we  may  delude  and  defraud,  wrong  and 
opprefle  married  women,  children  having  parents,  our  neigh- 
bours and  rich  men ,  as  thefe  following  Scriptures  do  fumci- 
ently  fliew.  Exod. 22.21.  You [hall not affliSI Any  widow  or  /*• 
t  her  lejfe  child.  Dent. 24.1 7.  Thou  [halt  not  pervert  the  judge- 
ment  of  the  flr  Anger,  nor  of the  father lejfe,  nor  take  a  widows  1 
YAiment  to  pledge.  Deut.  2  7. 1 Q.  Cttrfed  be  he  that  perverteth 
the  judgement  of  the  f At  her  left,  ft  ranger  and  widow.  Prov.  2 1  r 
22.  Rob  not  the  poore— nor  opprefie  the  affliUed.  Trov.  23.10. 
Enter  not  into  the  field  of  the  fatherlejfe.  Ier.21.3.  Do  no  vio- 
lence to  the  fir  anger,  father It  fie  And  widow.  Zach.  7. 10.  Op- 
frefe  not  the ftranger,  father leffe  and  widow,  which  facred  in* 
functions  give  not  the  leaft  allowance  to  wrong  and  opprefle 
any  at  all,  yet  particularly  and  f  pecially  nominates  thefe, 

1.  Becaufe  of  all  others  they  are  mod  fubjeel  to  violence 
and  wrong,  ana!  lead  abk  to  make  refiftance. 

2.  .Becaufe  that  oppreffing  of  thefe  is  an  addition  unto,  and 
aggravating  the  raiferies  of  thofe  who  are  already  abundantly 
miferable, 

3.  Becaufe  the  good  of  fuch  is  very  little(if  at  all)regarded 
or  refpected. 

4.  Becaufe  thefe  cannot  kt  forward  and  farther  their  owne 
.  bufinefle  by  bribes  and  friends. 

5.  Becaufe  thefe  cannot  acqujt  and  recompence  thofe  who 
favour,  help  and  further  them. 

Objefi, 


Ob)e$%  *.  Say  not  beloved  brethren  that  biting  ufiiry  is  on* 
ly  forbidden,  or  that  ulury  ofmony  to  buy  neceflary  food  or 
the  like,  is  onely  prohibited . 

eAnfw.  I.  For  CMarbith  and  Nefiek.  ate  Sjnonimay 
Levit,  23.  36% 

2.  For  all  irfury  is  biting. 

1 .  Notonely  in  regard  of  the  borrower,  as  thefeand  other  Credit»rm6rdet 
Scripturcsdemonftra.e,  ^/.7..i4-  Sp.M.sj.  P„»  a..7.    'ZZfuZi 

2.  Not  onely  m  regard  ot  the  common-wealth,  as  B.IcweJ/  ter   mordetur 
excellently  fhewetb,  cumreddit^wd 

3.  But  alfo  in  regard  of  the  ufurer  himfelfe ,  whofe  foule  non  ^cc^t  •• 
and  confcicnce  in  the  end  is  thereby  bitten.  rmrdet  ufura'> 

3.  And  as  forthatdiftinclion  of  mats  ^c.DeKt/^fpT^tt 
1519.  the  Lord  doth  there  flatly  forbid  all  the  diverie  and  di-  mordenqui  dat 
ftincl  kinds  of  ufury  of  what  fort  foever. 

<9*/**#.3.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  the  Lord  allowesof 
feme  kinde  of  ufury,  therefore  it  is  not  (imply  unlavyfull, 
<Deut.  23.  20. 

Anf.\.Yox  by  this  reafon  ufurers  make  themfelves 
Grangers  to  the  Church  -and  people  of  God,  of  whom  they 
take  ufury. 

2.  For  now  this  partition  wall  is  broken  downe. 

3 .  And  as  for  the  Lords  allowing  the  Ie wes  to  take  u- 
fury  of  ftrangers  (they  being  iuch  whom  they  were  to  deftroy 
without  (hewing  them  mercy yT>eutq,%t  20.17.)  itneither 
doth  nor  can  prove  ufury  law  full,  againft  the  whole  fcopeand 
current  of  the  Scripture,  which  doth  lively  delineate,  and 
largely  demonstrate  the diabolicall  deformity  of  thiscurfed, 
cruell,  corroding  and  Satanicall  abomination,  no  more  than 
Gods  allowing  the  Ifraelitesto  ipoilethe  Egyptians,  Exod. 
1 2.3^.  can  prove  theft  lawfull ,  or  UMofes  permitting  di- 
vorce, can  prove  it  legitimate.  I  know  that  iome  lay,  that  di- 
vorce and  uiurie  are  not  alike,  becauie  that  was  forbidden  be- 
fore the  law,  whereas  ulury  was  not  f o.  But  let  Inch  confi- 
der,  that  ufury  being  againft  the  Morall  law  and  the  law  of  na- 
ture, was  forbridden  in  all  ages,  before  Mopes  as  well  as  fincea, 
as  other  kinds  of  theft,  murder  and  adultery  are  tnd  were  for- 
bidden* Qbicft. 


O&jeEl.  4.  Say  not  beloved  brethren  that  the  prohibition  of 
ufury  was  only  Mofaicallandludaicall,  not  being  once  named 
in  the  New  Teftament ,  but  rather  approved  by  our  Saviour 
fcimfelfe,  Mat. 2  5 ,27.  Mine  own  with  ufury. 

Anfw.  1.  For  the  Scripture  brancheth  this  amongft  the 
breaches  of  the  Morall  Law,  yea  amongft  moft  grofleand 
grievous  abominations,  as  murder,  idolatry,  inceft,  and  fuch 
like,  £.5,^.22.7, 12. 

2.  The  Scripture  excludes  thefe  oflfendors  out  of  Gods  ta- 
bernacle and  holy  hill,  Pfal.  if.  therefore  is  ufury  a  breach  of 
the  Morall,not  of  the  Iudaicall  Law. 

3.  The  argument  is  not  accommodate  and  good  which  is 
drawne  from  one  part  of  Scripture  negatively,  it  is  fufficient 
that  it  is  forbidden  in  the  Old  Teftament,  and  reckoned  a* 
mongft  the  dreaflfull  and  moll  odious  tranfgrcflions  of  the 
Morall  Law. 

4.  Vfurie  is  expreflely  forbidden  in  the  New  Teftament, 
namely. 

Matth.  $.  42.  From  him  that  would  borrow  of  thee  turn e 
thou  not  awaj :  In 'which  words  there  is  a  precept  of  free 
lending. 

1.  For  there  needs  no  command  to  lend  for  gaine  and  ad- 
vantage,men  being  naturally  too  prone  hereunto. 

2.  The  comparing  that  place  in  Luke 6.  35.  Looke  for  no- 
thing againe,  namely  for  lending,  manifeftly  demonftrates  as 
much,and  that  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  placets  cleare. 

1.  For  if  theprincipall  was  not  to  be  expe&ed,  it  wasgi- 
ving^nd  not  lending. 

a.  For  free  lending  is  a  fruit  of  love  and  mercy,  which  are 
here  enjoy ned. 

3 .  For  if  men  lend  for  advantage,  what  thanke  have  they  ? 
Do  not  finners,do  not  ufurers  the  fame,  Verf  3  4. 

4.  For  this  lending  ought  to  be  to  all  whom  we  ought  to 
love  and  do  good  unto. 

mj\»1kr»ft  ^att  %  l  %  1 2> l  $•  0vertbrt»  the  tablet  of  the  money-changers 

Nvmuiwiwn  or  ufurers.  The  fame  loh.  2. 15,16.  When  Chrifl:  fcourged 

them  out  of  the  Temple,  and  called  thew  thecvcs,faying,  jo* 

havs 


d  i  civil.  TheChrtjtUfJCenpuu  54^ 

have  made  it  a  den  of  t beeves ,  and  that  money  changers  are  u- 
furers  is  clcare,  Mat.  2^.  ^7.  Money  to  the  ex*  facers— mint 
gunewith  ufMri*.  Money  changers  are  ufurers ,  and  fuch  are 
railed  theeves  by  our  blefled  Saviour. 

I  Cor.  6.  10.  NorcovetoMy  nor  extortioners  fball  inherit 
the  kingdome  of  heaven :  Vfurers  are  covetous  for  they  gree-  vUnMa,  i^. 
dily covered  impjftly  take  increafe:  they  are  alfo  extortio-  *s' 
ners,  for  ttiey  exacl:  uiury. 

g*/.  5. 1  5 .  if  joubite  and  dtvonre one  another ,  &c.  ufurers  AiWi^ 
bite(as  before)  the  borrowers,  1  Sam.  22.  3.  £s>«7  **;  /^  '•***■     ^^ 
t»M  in  debt,  namely  to  the  ufurer,  and  devoure  the  borrowers 
and  what  they  have,  1  King.q.i.  The  ufurer cans?  to  t^e  fits 
and af!. Gal. 5.IP  loii.AndfuchlikeMn^lvgthis and  other 
breaches  of  the  Morall  Law  elfwhere  implied  and  exprefled. 

5.  And  as  for  that  alledged  place,  CMattb.  25.  26.  Luke 

.IP  .22. 

1 .  Take  it  as  approving  ufury ,  yet  then  it  concludes  that  u- 
furers  are  cruell,hard,unmercifuli  and  unjuft  men;  for  tbe  un- 
profirable,evilland  flothfull  fervant  accufing  God  wonderful- 
ly upjullly  (for  the  Lord  gives  talents  and  increafe  to  the  well 
ufers  of  them)  the  Lord  from  this  falfe  accufation  confutes 
this  wayward  wretch,  wounding  him  with  his  owne  wea- 
pons,as  thus;  thou  fayed  that  I  am  an  hard  man,  grant  fo  much 
(which  yet  is  falte)  why  then  didft  thou  not  doe  for  me  as  for 
hard  and  un  ju(t  men  who  are  ufurers,  &<:.  which  fuppofition 
makes  nothing  for  ufury. 

2.  The  words  area  parable  taken  from  an  cvill  thing ,  and 
we  are  to  know  and  underftand, 

1.  That  all  things  from  which  Scripture borrowes fimili- 
tudesare  not  lawful!, Pfal%  8.5.  2  Tet.^.io. 

2.  That  all  things  are  not  good  from  which  wc  are  to 
3earne,forasfrom  unjuftftewards,  Luke  16.  fo  from  ufurers 
we  fhould  learnc  fpirkuall  ufury,  edifying  our  felvesando* 
then?  what  we  can. 

3.  The  meaning  is  that  men  fliouldbe  as  induftrionsand 
diligent  to  do  good,to  increafe  their  gifts  and  graces,as  ufurers 
are  to  do  cvill,  and  to  increafe  their  wealth. 

4.  Foe 


35$  The  Chrtfim  Ctnfltct.         Chap. 14. 

4.  For  it  cannot  be  meant  of  ufury  literally ,  becaufe  the 
Lord  takes  not  away  f  rom,but  gives  more  and  more  to  all  that 
have  and  practice  the  ufury  here  meant,Ver.  29.  whereas  it's 
cleare  that  he  doth  foone  blaft  and  confume  that  other  diaboli- 
cal] increafe  ofufurie. 

Objctt,  5.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  we  may  do  with  our 
own  what  we  will. 

Anfw*  For  we  may  not  murder  our  brother  becaufe  our 
weapons  are  our  own,nor  opprefle  our  neighbour  becaufe  our 
money  is  our  own. 

Obje8.6,  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  Chriftian  com- 
mon-wealths allow  of  ufury,  and  ours  in  particular. 

Anfr».  1 .  For  fuppofe  they  did, and  (hould  make  it  a  trade 
without  control!,  yet  could  it  not  be  lawfull  God  forbidding 
the  fame  :  the  infer iour  cannot  abrogate  or  take  away  the 
law  of  the  fuperiour ;  the  beft,  yea  all  common- wealths  under 
the  frame  and  fabrick  of  heaven  are  fubjecl  and  fubordinate  to 
God ,  and  therefore  cannot  annihilate  and  abrogate  his  loyall 
Law. 

2.  But  what  if  all  lawes  in  all  common-wealths  are  againft 
it,as  B.  ltvnll  fheweth. 

3.  As  for  our  lawes,  they  affirm  ufury  to  be  unlawful!;  they 
are  (Hied  lawes  againft  ufury,  to  limit  and  reftraine  it,  not  to 
allow  or  approve  ofthe  fame  j  and  our  109  Canon  com- 
mands Church-wardens  toprefentufurers,  and  enjoy nes  to 
keep  them  from  the  Communion  untillthey  be  reformed. 

Objett.  7.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  many  good  Di- 
vines and  Preachers  think  ufury  to  be  lawfull . 

Anftv.  1;  Since  all  the  learned  and  renowned  Heathens 
condemneit,as  AriffotUy  Cicero^  CW*,&c. 

a.  Since  all  the  ancient  Fathers  cry  out  againft  it  as  accur- 
fed,as  S.  Auguftitte,  AmbffcB+filfiLz. 

3.  Since  moderne  Writers  have  written  unanfwerably  a- 
gainft  it,  as  B. /*»*//,  D.T^nuMfi^&c. 

4.  Since  Iudat  and  Demos  were  Preachers  approved  of  by 
the  beft,yet  evill  practitioners. 

j .  Since  the  beft  men  have  had,  and  may  have  their  errours. 

6.  Since 


<*.  Since  the  allowance  of  man  cannot  make  that  lawfull 
Which  God  forbiddeth. 

7.  Since  it  would  bee  more  charitable  and  Chriftian- 
like  for  thofe  worthy  Divines  to  fhew  and  fignific  their 
grounds  and  reafons,  to  confute  all  antiquitie,aiidortbodoxe 
modcrne  Writers,rather  than  to  whifper  in  corners,and  mut- 
ter in  fecret  by  word  or  letters,  that  fo  we  alfo  who  are  con- 
trary minded,  if  we  fee  it  warrantable,  may  give  them  the 
right  hand  of  fellowfhip. 

8*  Since  iiich  Divines  who  are  allowed  by  and  in  our 
Church  cannot  be  much  commended  for  good  Divines,if  they 
approve  of  or  practice  ufury ,  they  fubferibing  to  our  Homi- 
lies which  fay,that  goods  of  ufury  are  from  the  Divell,and  that 
ulurers  do  worfhipthe  Divell. 

9 .  Since  (as  I  have  (hewed  you)  Divines  are  much  wreftect 
and  wronged  in  this  particular  by  this  fraternity,  their  fautors 
and  fa&ours. 

1 0.  Since  (I  verily  think e)  no  one  Divine  can  be  produced 
to  juftifk  and  account  as  good,  the  prefcnt  practice  of  thefe  pe- 
cuniary and  peccant  people.  This  is  but  a  ruinous  and  totter- 
ing prop  and  pillar  to  beare  up  and  (iipport  a  matter  fo  folid 
and  f  ubftantiall,of  fuch  weight  and  importance. 

Ok)eft.  $.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  ufury  doth  good 
in  the  common- wealth,  it  helpes  and  relieves  many  poore  and 
penurious  men  who  otherwife  could  not  borrow,  yea  it  is  (o 
ufefull,  ferviceable  and  beneficiall,  that  common- wealths 
could  not  lland  without  it. 

Anf.  1 .  For  thus  fome  do  and  may  as  well  defend  the  beaft  - 
like  ftewes,  it  is  good  to  permit  them  to  prevent  greater  evils. 
Thus  Saul  pleaded  for  his  difobedience  as  a  good  deed  to  fave 
fome  of  the  beads  for  facrifice,  1  Sam.i  5.      & 

* .  How  did  common-wealths  before  they  ufed  that  wicked 
art  of  ufury?-  Did  they  not  then  live  farre  better,  did  they  not 
flourifh?  Why  els  did  they  fo  cry  oat  againft  it,  and  condemne 
it  as  unnaturall?thus  C$cero>  Cntoy  AriUotls  and  others,  as  un- 
equall,  a  man  receiving  more  than  he  lends  :  receiving  gaineg 
by  anothers  lofle ,  as  repugnant  to  good  manners.    The 

Germans 


35  *  l%eCbriflUn  Conflict.         Chap.  14. 

Germans  (faith  Aretim)  faidthey  were  happy  before  they 
knew  that  wicked  art,  and  why  ?  Becaufe  fince  they  lived  in 
gluttony, delights, on  other  mens  goods— this  occafioneth  idle- 
nelfe,  to  live  like  drones  on  other  mens  labours. 

3.  The  goodie  doth  in  common- wealths  is  eafier  preten- 
ded than  proved.  It  devoareth  and  deiolateth  whole  families, 
on  whom(I  think)depends  the  good  of  the  common-wealth. 
Befide  lamentable  and  continuall  experience,  the  Statute  a- 
gainft:  ufury  in  the  1  $  yeate  of  Queene  Elizabeth  faith,  the  ut- 
ter undoing  of  mAnjgentlemen^mer  chants  ^occnpiersy  and others , 
bath  come  from  the  cunning  practices  of  nfnrers.  And  I  am 
furethe  Word  of  God  abounds  in  this  kind,  Neh.<$.i  i.fhew- 
cth  that  they  were  no  good  effects  that  came  from  ufury,  but 
d  read  full  and  accur  fed. 

There  was  a  great  cry  of  the  people,  the  husbandmen  were 
bitten  and  devoured,  in  them  the  common- wealth, which  can- 
not fubfift  without  them,  Eccl.5.9. 

This  occafioned  an  addition  to  the  prefent  pinching  dearth, 
and  all  this  while  the  ufurers  hearts  were  hardened  againft 
their  brethren  as  againft  ftrangers,  PfaL  8o.  j  3.  The  enemy  faU 
not  ex  a  ft  as  An  ufttrer,  I  op.i  I .  Let  the  ufttrer  catch  all  2  Kin* 
4.1,2.  and  other  Scriptures  {hew ,  that  if  making  men  to  cry 
out  becaufe.  of  poverty,  if  to  impoverifh  people  and  bring 
them  into  ftavery,iftocatch  and  cpnfume  all  that  men  have 
are  good  for  c6mmon-wealtbs,then  are  ufurers  to  beefteem- 
cd  as  doers  of  good  in  the  fame. 

4.  Concerning  the  inevitable  neceffity  of  this  notorious 
and  noyfome  annoyance,  if  truly  there  is  any,  I  fuppofe  it  is  a 
needlefle,  and  I  am  perfwaded  it  is  acrueil  neceffity  which 
thefe  greedy  money-mongers  have  pulled  upon  many  com- 
mon-wealths  paving  almoft  wholly  eaten  up  charitable  and 
Chriftian  free  lending,yea  fo  farre  forth,that  within  this,  week 
Ifawonepay  9  d.  for  the  forbearance  of  3  1.6  fl\.8  d,  for  about 
fix  weeks  time ;  and  a  man  complained  to  me  that  his  fifter 
conft rained  him  to  pay  ufury  for  the  forbearance  of  1 7 1.  be- 
ing her  legacy,  for  halfe  a  yearcs  time. 

5 .  And  to  averre  or  affirm  that  common- wealths  could  not 

(land 


Si  c  t  •  1 1 ;        The  Chriflum  Conflitl.  35  3 

ftand  without  this  finfull  fupporter  is  much  derogatory  to  the 
wifdomeand  providence  of  God  in  difpofingof  all  things. 

Ob. 9.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  borrowers  confeflc  a 
good  turne  in  having  money  of  Vfurers,they  are  very  defirous 
of  ir,very  joyfull  of,  and  thankfull  for  the  fame ;  and  therefore 
you  may  fafely  and  fecurely  goe  on  in  this  condemned  courfc 
and  kind  of  life. 

Anj-w.  1 .  For  it  is  fuch  a  good  turne  faith  Bifhop  lew  11  as 
to  give  cold  water  in  an  ague  fit,  to  cure  a  finger  by  cutting  of 
an  arme,as  to  cure  a  blemifh  in  the  eye  by  plucking  of  it  out. 

a.  Neither  doth  the  willing  and  joyfull  acceptance  prove 
the  Iawfullncffe  of  ufury,  neceflity  urging  fome,  andfcolifh 
defire  carrying  headlong  many  others  to  their  own  ruine,  and 
although  no  man  is  willing  to  receive  manifeft  wrong,yet  ma- 
ny willingly  receive  a  deftroyinghooke  covered  over  with  a 
faire  baite,  ru(hing  headlong  as  their  blind  affection  leades 
them,  Bcfides  there  is  a  miferable  will,as  for  a  man  to  give  his 
purfe  to  a  theefe,to  fave  his  life,to  caft  bis  goods  into  the  fea,  to 
prevent  fhfp wracke.  Laftl  y  the  poore  debtour  is  ufually  like 
a  horfe,which  once  having  taken  the  bit,  although  hee  often 
changeth  his  rider  hath  ever  one  or  other  on  his  backe,or  like 
a  poore  prifbner  remooved  from  jaylor  to  jay  lor  but  feldome 
or  never  free. 

Ob.  10.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  both  borrower  and 
lender  are  gainers,  therefore  is  ufury  charitable  and  law- 
full. 

Anf*.  1 .  Tor  by  the  fame  reafon  officious  lies  may  bee  de- 
fended, yet  are  they  finfull  becaufe  forbidden  :  and  circum* 
fiances  cannot  make  things  (imply  evill  to  bee  good  :  one 
thcefe  is  helpefull  to  another  theefcr  yet  this  cannot  juftific 
or  make  theft  lawfull. 

2.  Admit  that  both  bee  gainers,  yet  the  covenant  made 
betweene  them  is  unequall  and  uncharitable,  turning  an  ael 
of  charity  namely  lending  into  an  aft  of  felfc-Iovcand  cove- 
toufneflc,  and  fo  charity  is  broken. 

3 .  Admit  they  are  both  gaii.ers,  yet  that  game  is  to  the 
endammaging  of  the  Common-wealth  ,    people   being 

A  a  com- 


354  T&*  ChriftUn  Confliff*         Ch  ap  .  14* 

compelled  to  buy  at  dearer  rates,  and  fa  the  aftisuajuftand 
uncharitable- 

Ob.n.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  we  have  no  other  trade 
whereby  to  live,  and  you  would  not  beg/ 

Afffjp.i,  For  thus  maybawd«:?s,cut-purfes,and  theeves  plead 
for  themfelves,yet  are  chey  not  hereby  jjPtirted. 

a.  But  rather  you  and  they  are  worthy  double  puii  fhmen*,, 
miking  choice  of  fuch  unwarrantable  and  unlawful  kindes  of 
living,  and  yet  would  gaine  as  much  or  more  then  others  doe 
by  honeft  diligence  and  painefull  labour. 

Ob. 1 2.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  you  do  to  your  debtors 
a9  you  would  be  done  unto  w  the  like  cafe,  and  this  is  accor- 
ding to  the  rule  of  our  Saviour  Chrift. 

*sfnfw.  1 .  For  it  is  an  eafie  matter  for  men  who  know  not 
wants,and  intend  not  tomorrow  to  fay  thus,  as  if  a  rich  man 
fhouldfaytoapooremancravingan  almes>  I  will  give  thee 
none,  and  thus  doing  I  doas  I  would  be  done  unto,  when  I 
crave  an  almes  let  me  be  denyed. 

2.  Bat  is  an  Vfurer  contented  that  as  he  hath  gained  hun- 
dreds, and  thoufandsof  pounds  from  others  by  ufury,  fo  that 
they  or  others  fhonld  regaine  fo  much  from  him  ? 

3.  For  this  rule  is  notalwaies  to  be  followed,  Abimhch 
and  Satt/ might  not  kill,  becaufe  they  defired  others  to  kill 
them,  tudg  9  5  4 .  1  Sam.  3 1 . 

4  And  the  Vfurer  who  faith  thus  knoweth  that  he  fpcakes 
falfely,defiring  rather  to  borrow  freely,  then  upon  ufury  if  he 
ftood  in  need  of  money. 

Ob)t£l,  1 3.  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  that  none  fpeake  a- 
gainft  ufary  but  poore  beggerly  fcllowes  who.ftand  in  need 
of  money. 

Anfa.i .  For  God  the  Father,  h  is  Son  Iefus  Chr  i(t,the  Pro- 
phets, and  Apoftles  fpeake  againft  it.  Doe  they  do  fo  for  fuch 
cnds?iHonftrous  blafphemy. 

%.  The  antient  Fathers,  Councells,Law-makers,confident- 
Jy  condemne  it.  l)id  they  doe  thus  for  fuch  carnall  and  curfed 
«nds?  monftrous  impiety; 

3,  Many  of  ©ur  learned  and.  reverend  Prelates,   and 

famous. 


S  e  c  t.  1 2i  Tie  CbfiftUn  Ctojlitt.  355 

famous  Divines,  men  of  eminency  and  note,  much  honou- 
red  and  advanced  in  cur  Church,  have  preached  and  written 
learnedly  and  unanfwerably  againft  this  venomous  viper 
Did  they  doe  thus  becaufe  they  needed  money?  monftrous 
uncharitable  ncfle. 

4.  The  Church  of  E*gb*djhe  Adb  of  Parliaments  conclu- 
ded with  confentofKings,Nobks.and  Commons  have  in  ma- 
ny Kings  raigr.es  condemned  ufufy.  Did  they  doe  fb  becaufe 
they  needed  money  ?  monflrous  irreligion. 

5.  AsforusMiniiterSjCcuIdvverlndeittobeelawful],  vvc 
would  praetife  it  Co  choofe,  as  moft  befitting  us  who  want 
slcilljtime,and  other  conveniences  to  trade  and  traffique  in  the 
world. 

0£.!4«  Say  not  beloved  brethren,  wbat'fhall  become  of 
widowes,and  orphanes  if  ufury  is  unlaw  full?  What  {hall  they 
do  topreferve  their  (locks,and  to  have  lively  hood  ? 

tyfnfrvA .  For  what  is  this  to  common  Vfurers  who  are  not 
any  fuch  > 

2.  Whatfhallbecome  of  fuch  who  have  no  ftockes,  for 
whom  yet  God  providcth  although  they  ufe  no  unlawful! 
meanes. 

I .  How  did  the  orphanes  and  widdowes  amongft  the 
Iewcs,  did  God  forget  them  when  he  made  fo  ftricl  a  law  a- 
gainft  ufury  ? 

4.  Vfnry  being  fimply  unlawful!,  how  can  it  bee  lawful! 
for  them? 

5 .  Are  there  no  more  trees  in  the  garden,but  the  forbidden 
fruit  to  meddle  withall  ? 

6.  Is  not  tifury  lefie  lawfiill  for  them  then  for  o- 
theri  ? 

1.  Becaufe  they  have  more  fpeciall  promifes  of  pro- 
tection and  prefervation/7/^8. 5.7^.49.  1 1  .And  2  Becaufe 
the  Lord  denounceth  more  dreadfull  judgements  againft 
thofe  who  wrong  and  hurt  them?  fW.a2.22.j23.  Z*ch. 
7.»o. 

7.  Let  them  therefore  depend  on  Gods  providence,  and' 
piomifesintrjeufe  of  lawfull  meanes. 

A  a  a  5.  For 


35*  The  chriftUn  Ctnflid.       Chap.i^ 

8.  Forfinceall  mens  goods  in  the  world  depend  on  Gods 
blelfitig  and  providence,  all  men  (land  to  it,  and  are  fubjedr, 
thereunto.  Who  are  you  who  will  exempt  them  from  bei<)g 
fu'j^ft  to  Gods  providence  and  difpofing?  Shall  they  onely 
bee  exempted  that  God  (hould  not  have  to  doe  with  their 
ftockes,  but  blefle  he  or  curfe  he,  they  fhill  be  furely  provided 
fortohavetheprincipallfecured,  and  yea  rely  lb  much  cer- 
taine,  efpccially  confiderifrg  they  have  fo  many  excellent  par- 
ticular^romifes  made  unto  them. 

Oh,  i  % .  Say  not  beloved  brethren,why  may  we  not  as  well 
take  for  money  as  fortioufes  and  land,  &c A 

Anf»m\.  Forthus  doing  you  doe  not  examine  your  lives 
by  Gods  law,  whether  they  be  confonant  thereunto,  but  you 
examine  Gods  law  whether  it  be  agreeable  to  reafon  which  is 
abfurd,  and  impious. 

a.  For  the  Lord  forbids  ufury,denouuceth  dreadfull  judge- 
ments againft  it,  but  alio  weth  of  taking  money  for  houfes,and 
land,  Lev. 15.  Cant, S  II. 

3.  The  Scripture  never  denounceth  judgements  againfl  ta- 
king reasonable  rents  for  houfes  and  lands. 

4.  Philofophers,  Lawgivers,  and  all  authors  condemning 
Ufiiry  allow  of  the  other. 

5 .  * Vfurefs  themfelves  who  affirme  that  ufury  may  not  be 
taken  of  the  poore,  will  I  fuppofe  take  rent  of  them  for  houfe 
and  land. 

C.  There  is  not  the  fame  reafon  for  the  one  as  for  the  other. 

I.  For  houfe  and  landyeeld  a  fruitfull  life  ari/ing  from 
the  nature  of  the  thing,  as  the  benefit  of  dwelling,  trading, 
&c%  but  money  hath  no  fruitfull  ufe  of  it  felfe,  and  if  it 
is  fruitfull,  its  wholly  by  the  skill  and  induftry  of  him 
who  ufeth  it,  and  therefore  to  him  the  gaine  ought  to 
belong. 

a .  In  r hefe  things  the  ufe  and  not  the  property  is  alienated, 
and  ufually  they  ate  the  worfe  for  letting :  in  money  the  fame 
money  is  not  received  but  fo  much  in  value ,and  for  the  lending 
it  is  not  the  worfe. 

3,  In  things  let,  the  hazard  is  the  owners  not  the  tenants 

or 


S  i  c :  t  .  i  xl        The  ChriflUn  Qonfifc  3  57 

-or  takers  if  they  mifcarry  not  through  the  hirers  default,  they 
areonelyto  pay  for  the  time,  Exod.  i*.  14.  and  the  hire  fs 
•part  of  the  price  for  the  hazard,  but  the  Vfurer  doth  not  ha- 
zard any  thing. 

4.  In  things  let,asboufe  and  land,  the  owner  isufiully  and 
often  at  charges  and  coft  about  the  fame,  the  Vfurer  at  none  a- 
bout  his  money. 

5.  Lard  and  houfes  are  not  ufually  wafted  and  fpent  inthe 
ufing  as  money  moft  commonly  is. 

6:  Theufeofland  is  feparabk  from  the  propriety,  fo  that 
he  who  payes  rent  for  it,  pay.es  rent  for  that  which  is  another 
mans,  but  hee  who  payes  rent  for  money,  payes  rent  for  that 
which  is  his  owne,the  property  being  tiis,  and  he  bearing  all 
the  hazard,  yet  (which  is  ftrange)  the  Vfurer  for  his  100 1, 
wrllhave  S I  yearely,  which  1 00 1  in  land,  will  not  give  above 
5 1  yeartly. 

But  reafon  and  refol  ve  after  this  or  the  like  manner. 

I .  *Is  ufury  which  is  a  gaine  exafte^d  by  covenant  above  the 
^rincipallonely  in  refped  of  lending  (as  Saint  tsf*£*fti*e 
defineth  it)  oniverfelly  unjuft,  demanding  a  fore  and  cer- 
taine  gaine  and  benefit  of  the  borrower,  it  being  uhconceave- 
abkanduncertaine  whether  he  {ball  gaine  or  loofc,  or  if  he, 
doe  get  and  advantage  himfelfe,  it  is  out  of  thefhiiteof  hit 
painefnll  induftry  and  laboriont  endeavours,  accompanyed 
with  the  bleffing  of  God,  not  out  of  the  fruit  and  fertility  of 
the  money. 

a.  Isufury,exaftinggaiiefortheverya^  of  lending,not 
onelyundecent  bat  vicious,  not  onely  uncourteous  but  un- 
charitable and  nnchriftian-likc,  felling  a  workc  of  charity, 
turning  lending  which  is  an  acl  of  charity,  and  therefore 
ought  to  bee  free,  into  letting  or  hiring,  an  ad  of  cove* 
tpufnefle. 

j .  Are  there  fo  many  places  in  the  booke  of  God  punflu- 
allandprecife^irredanddowne.Tightagainft  thisfavage  and 
firpplantingfin  of  tifury  ,and  not  any  one  Text  in  holy  writ,  al- 
lowing or  approving  of,  countenancing  or  in  the  leaft  meadrc 
crediting  iny  land  of  ufury. 

Aaj  4.Wa* 


BeiainLuc* 


358  theChrifiknConfl'S.         Cha^.14- 

4.Was  ^permitted  to  be  done  (when  it  was)  as  a  plague 
and  puoilbrnenr,as  a  difpoyling  deftru&bn  of  the  curfed  Ca- 
nanitcs  (ufury  therefore  is  no,  brotherly  pare,  no  kind  and 
Friendly  office;;  neither  do  Vfiircrs  dcale  with,  borrowers  as 
:with(bnsof^r<i^/wandofGod;  buc  as  with  curfed  Cana- 
nites,  Idolatrous  Egyptians  and  fucb  like)  being  abfo!utelyf 
when  thy  were  rooted  ©unforbidden  without  exception  or  lir  « 
jrniratipn,a8  PfaKl$.E^iS^id other  Scriptures  doteftifie. 

$.  Is  the  prohibition  of  ufury  a  perpetual!  rule,  arnorail 
duty,anduo.ta  judiciall  law  of  Mofes%  as  David  and  E>z.e- 
J^Vrnanifeft  and  make  plaine. 

.  6\  Mull  we  according  to  that  Chriftian  command,,  and  un* 
deniable  precept  of  our  bleffed  Saviour,  lend,looking  for  no- 
thing againe." 

Firft,  Lending  either,  to  thofe  of  whom  we  cannot  itiope 
toreceivcourowne^nonotthe  principall  againe,  as  Caivit^ 
Bez,a%  Downam,  Za*cby>w&  others.  Then  they  who  Iqrjdto 
receive  more  againe  are  worfe  then-  thofe  fipnerf,  ^r. 
and  all  ufuriotis  bargaines  and  pracl^fes  are  by  this  condemned 
which  lend  notexcept  they  may  receive  above^the  principal 
fiith  Tez,*.  If  a  neighbour  U  to  be  helped',  xo  regard  being  had 
ef  receiving  againe  the  p^^  areujmmt  bar- 

gain*s  for bidde?.     .} 

Secondly,  Or  lend,  looking  for 'no  benefit,  gaine,  orinr 
crcafe  for  fo  doing,  finners  lending  where  they:  may  receive 
like  kindneffe  agafne. 

yt  Is ufijry an effeclatid fij^it^of cankred cQVC$oufncn%and 
of  dread  fujl  difrruft  of divine  providence, :  ancf  therefore .  Idor 
fetry  and  infidelity. 

8.  Doth  the  Vfnrer  fin  againft  his  neighbour  by  lnjuRice^ 
wncharitabienefre,opprefTion,  and  cruelty  ? 

9*  Do  Vfurers  fin  againftthernfelves  and  their  pofyerity  ^ 
leaving  Gods  curfe  upon  their rficbes, and  wealth  of  wickea- 
nefle  which  they  have  raked  and  fcraped  together  r* 

10.  Is  thefinne  of  ufury  joyned,,  and  coupled,  wrtfj 
gtofle  and  grievous  abominations,  Tfalmt  1 5.  E^e^i  2. 1 3 f' 
afldlsit  the  order  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  aptly  to  knit,  linkc, 

cbupla 


S s  c  t . I  % \]         7ht Ch riJIUn  CotfliS.  359  ' 

couple  ari  conjoyne  together  things  which  arc  futableandof 
one  fort? 

11.  Doe  humane  Authors,  Philofopbers,  and  other  Hea* 
then  men  cenfure,  and  cqndemne  ufury  as  an  execrable  vice, 
as  C*t*,  &ceroy  and  tsfri/iot/r>  which  lad  in  the  foreriamed 
place  faith,  men  neglected  hone  ft  profitable  Arts,  by  meaner  of 
thliea^eandfalfekjndeofgaine.  He  affirmeth,  that  ufury  is 
farrefrom  equality.  Heiaitb,  it  wjt ft  etf>  and  burdeneth  other  t% 
for  the  private  advantage  of  moneyed  me*,  and  therefore  that  it 
veu  pernicious  to  private  mens  eft  ate  sand  the  Common-wealth* 
He  Jaw  reafon  why  hoefes,  lands ,  and  labour  of  men  [houldyeeld 
money ,  none  why  money  [houldyeeld  money.  He  thought  st  un» 
fit  that  money  the  matter  of  permutation  fbould  bee  matter  of 
merchandife. 

12.  Did  theantient  Fathers  with  unanimous  confent  not 
onely  preach  againft  ufury  as  againft  a  mod  obominable  and 
damnable  fin,  hue  alfo  refemble  Vfurers  to  theeves  which  rob 
and  (kale  when  they  fleepe,  calling  the*n  latrones  pufoinariot. 
To  thepoyfon  of  afpes  whkh  fo  ftingeth  that  a  man  feeks 
prefent  delighr,  and  fo  brings  him  a  fleepe,  in  which  he  dieth. 
To  the  moft  execrable  and  abhorred  things,the re  being  nothing 
(iaith  Saint  *Ambrofe)  more  horrible  then  an  Vfnrer,  he  is  an 
odious  man  and  his  money  is  a  viper \ 

1 3 .  Are  thole  few  authors  which  arc  alleeged  as  patrons 
and  fupporters  of  ufury  lamentably  abufed,  wrefted,  and 
wronged,  yea  and  forced  to  fpeake  contrary  to  themselves. 
They  fo  (tinting  and  and  limiting  the  lame  with  cautions,  that 
it  ceafeth  to  be  ufury,  andfpeaking  of  lawfull  ufury,  they  ma- 
nifeft  their  meaning  to  be  of  that  increafe  which  others  call ' 
partnerfhip,  thar.kfuUneffeard  recompence  for  ldflfe. 

14.  Hath  God  ordained  and  appointed  that  every  man 
{hould  live  in  fonie lawfull  condition,  and  calling,  nottoeate 
the  bread  of  idlenes,  living  on  other  mens  labours,  and  to 
fight  his  battailes  in  fome  warranted  ftation  and'ftanding,and 
is  not  ufury  any  ofthrs  fort  and  fociety.  Then  furely  we  who 
are  and  have  beene  Vfurers  witt  bye  and  haften  amaine  from 
this  fo  dread  full  .ajid  diabolicall  courfe  of  life ;   make  our 

A  a  4  peace 


3  60  The  chrlftian  CtofliZt.       Chap,  if] 

peace  with  (Sad  by  true  repentance,  and  teftifie  the  fame  like 
good  Zachem  by  reftkution.  And  we  who  as  yet  have  beene 
preferved  from  this  uncharitable  and  unchriftian  kind  of  life 
will  mgre  and  more  forfake  and  flee  from  the  fame,  that  by 
this  we  be  not  let  or  hindred  from  fighting  rhe  Lords  bat- 
When  one  had  tds  in  fome  pious  and  praife- worthy  ftations  and  (landings. 

fpokento  Ro- 

£,#f£  Sect,   i a. 

t$lne,   to  ad- 

vancc   a  poore       J&gainjt  changers  of  callings  unwarrantably  to  Uxve  trades 
kinfman  of  his,  to  turne  MaulfterSy  how  lawfully  and  how  not, 

hee  thereupon 

coTfcThfe  S.TpHcnlaftly  woe  to  fuch  who  through  pride.Telfe-love, 
he  foIlowed3&  1  and  difcontent,  run  out  of,  forfake  and  leave  thofe  par- 
receiving  an-  ticular  places  and  feleA  ftations  wherein  Chrift  our  Comman- 
fwer,  that  hee  der  hath  fetled  them  to  war  this  good  warfare, 
was  an  has-  Miftake  me  not,I  pray,as  if  I  thought  or  taught  it  altogether, 
fwereT^why  aru*  abfolotely  unlawfull  to  divert  from  this  or  that  particular 
then  'if  his  calling:  for  changes  may  lawfully  be  made,  otherwife  Amos 
plough  be  bro-  ap [heard fman  by  calling  had  never  beene  a  Prophet,  Amos j. 
ken,  I  will  i^.Chrifts  Difciplc9  who  were  fifhermen,and  of  fuch  like  oc- 
repaire  it,  or  cllpatjons  kaj  neVer  beene  Apoftles.  Mat.  i  .  1 8.  David  had  nc- 
faileCIboftovv  a  vcr  come  &om  tne  fhecphooke  to  the  Scepter, 
new  upon  him  J .  Change  of  callings  upon  private  ne^eiTity,  when  a  man 
wherbyhemay  cfrnnotby  his  calling  maintaine  himfeire  and  thole  who  rely 
goe  on  in  his  anfj  depend  upon  him,  is  I  thinke  approved  of  by  Saint  Paul* 
butfo  to .ad-  Pra<^e>  wno  herewith  enforced  .returned  to  tent-making, 
vance°him,aas  not  relinquishing  the  other  of  more  excellency,  weight  and 
to  make  him  importance. 

forfake  his  2,  Change  of  callings  for  the  wcale-publique  and  a  corn- 
trade  or  condi-  rpon  good, to  benefit  more  the  Church  and  Common-wealth 
hTwasbrouftht  ^nottobedifproved,  contradicted  or  condemned,  butcom- 
up,that  meane  mcndable  :  as  for  a  private  man  to  become  a  Magiftrate,  this 
I  not  to  doe.  being  warranted  by  Mofes  leaving  lethrots  flieepe  togoverne 
S*.  G.  Paul  m  and  conduct  the  Israelites, 

^e  llfc  of         3.  For  a  man  utterly  and  altogether  difabled  by  want  of 
mitt  p*g°8  s    2PM*** an(*  abil"ies ,  by  incurable  difeafes  or  the  like,  to  leave 

and 


Sicr.'n;  TbeChrifikuCMflilt.  361 

and  torfakebis  calling,  is  I  take  it  not  to  be  difallowed  of  and 
difcomroended,fbr  even  Mofes  difabled  through  old  age  re* 
figned  his  office  to  7*#*4/&,  £><•»/.  3  1 .2,7. 

4  For  a  man  legally  depofed,£*,<^44.l  3.  or  having  fuch 
a  calling  which  is  impofedfor  acertaine  (eafon  onely,  thefc 
muft  refigne  according  to  the  appointment  and  will  of  fuperi- 
our  powers. 

But  as  in  the  field  for  fbuldiers  to  leave  and  forfake  their  cal- 
lings and  (landings  at  their  owne  will  and  liking,  without  the 
will  and  warrant  ef  their  Captaines  and  Commanders.  1  Ar- 
gueth  much  mjbborneneffe,pride,difobedience  and  rebellion. 
a  Is  a  meanes  and  eccafion  todifranke  and  diforder  the  whole 
hoft  and  army,  3  Difioynts  and  dhTevers  each  from  othcr,ex- 
pofing  thcmfelves  and  others  to  ruine  and  overthrowe :  fo  in 
this  our  Chriftian  warfare,  for  men  who  by  profeffion  are 
Chrifts  fervanrs  and  fouldiers,and  by  him  ranked  in  fome  par- 
ticular ftations  and  (landings,  without  good  warrant  from  the 
good  will  and  pleadire  of  God,  meerely  upon  their  owne 
wills  and  liking,  for  the  attainement  ofgreater  wealth,  plea- 
fure  and  preferment,  or  to  live  more  idly,  lazily  and  unpro- 
fitably.  I  Argues  much  dilobedienceanddifloyalty.  a  Is  a 
meanes  to  diforder  the  Church  and  Common- wealth,  3  And 
to  expofe  themfelves  and  others  what  in  them  ryeth  to  ruine~ 
and  deftru&ion :  as  for  example, 

r.  For  Miniftersof  Gods  Word  through  idlencfle,  cove- 
toufnefle,fearefuUnefle  or  other  (infiill  and  Imifter  refpec5ts,by 
ends  and  aimes  Demas-Ykz  to  forfake  the  Gofpell,  and  their 
profeffion. 

2 .  For  decayed  and  decrepit  ferving  men  or  tradefmen  to 
crecpe  into  the  Miniftery  for  living  fake,  for  although  the 
change  is  to  the  better  and  more  excellent  eftate  and  calling, 
yet  how  canthefe  more  glorifie  God,  and  bring  greater  bene- 
fitto  the  Church  and  Common. wealth( which  men  muftaimc 
at  in  change  ofcallings)thefe  wanting  gifts  if  not  of  nature,yet 
of  art  and  learning  to  do  the  fame. 

5.  For  idle  dilconrented  people  to  part  with  farmes  and 
livings  to  be  Vfurersor  Maulilers.  The  former  of  which  being 

generally  . 


generally  and  groundedly  condemned  a*  unlawfull  and  un- 
warrantable. And  as  for  the  latter  although  the  commodity 
they  dealc  yvithall  be  neceflary  and  ufefull  in  the  Common-i 
wealuhjand  although  the  diforderly  and  difibiuredrunkennqfle 
oftbefe  times  makes  thefe  manner  of  men  to  multiply,^  grow 
rich,  yet  whether  this  be  a  calling  allowed  by  our  State,  or 
whether  it  is  warrantable  for  a  man  wholly  to  apply  himfelfe 
Unto  the  fame  {this  being  as  I  take  it  an  appertiuent  appendix 
belonging  to  the  husbandman,  who  by  this  fort  of  people  is 
imuch  abridged,  and  abbreviated  ofone  of  his  maine  commo^ 
ditiesto  his  disadvantage  and  difcouragement  (and  yethec 
ought  to  have  all  manner  of  countenancing,  and  fitting  refped 
the  King  himfelfe  being  ferved  by  the  field,  EccL^y  )to  the 
enriching,  and  advancing  ofmcnufuallyidlcif  not  licentious, 
I  much  doubt. 

4.  For  men  whofe  trayning  up  hath  beene  in  husbandry,or 
in  fome  other  honed  and  commendable  arts  or  callings,to  fbr- 
fake  the  fame  through  love  of  idknefle,  and  for  fuch  other 
finfull  refpecls  to  turne  ale-houfe- keepers.  For  although  nc- 
ceiTarily  there  mult  be  houfes  of  refort  and  receipt  for  travel- 
krs  and  traffiquers :  although  theexcefiive  and  extraordinary 
extravagant  exorbitances  too  much  abounding  and  over- 
flowing in  fuch  places,by  meanes  of  the  fupcrabundant  and  un- 
neccflary  number  of  thefe  kinde  of  people,  and  the  diflolute 
difpofitions  of  themoflof  them  are  rather  the  faults  of  the 
perfons  then  of  the  places :  although  men  may  bee  honcft 
(though  with  much  difficulty  thefe  having  not  mcane,and  ma-, 
ny  temptations  to  innumerable  inconveniences)  in  this  trade 
of  life,  and  it  were  to  be  wifoed  that' none  but  honeft,  well 
qualified,  and  condkionedmen  might  bee  tolerated  unto  the 
fame  :  yetfonncntorelincfuifh  and  renounce  other  courfea 
of  life  and  callings,far  more  needfull  to  theCommon- wealth, 
and  more  free  unto  themfelves,  that  they  may  live  epicure- 
like,  idly,  and  unprofitably,  cannot  but  bee  condemned  as 
fha  me  full  and  finfull. 

5.  For  men  whofe  education  and  breeding  hath  beene  to 
the  needle,Qiftttle,anvile,  or  other  inferiour  yet  commendable 

ChriftrV 


Sictaz  The  Cbrifth*d4»j8Zl.  f*$ 

ChrHHah  and  laudable  kinds  bflivingjout  of  aditiiaine  of  the 
bafenes  ofthcfecaHmgs,felf-conccitcdncsofthcirown  wor^h 
&  wit  to  work  woniers,ac  to  £unnage:matcersof  greater  itr*. 
*port»nce,oofcof  a  defireto*grow  great,  t©  gaine  wcakb,and  got 
prcfenncntyorto  live  morcidty, and cafily  :  for  tbefc  men  to 
foifakethefe  callings  to  turnegrafiers,  and  husbandmen  is  not 
.in  my  apprehenfion  warrantable ; and  to  my  knowledge  nfnaV- 
ly  attended  wkh  fad  ^ccefles^vkbcvill,  unlook'd  fpr,ai*iUH- 
welcome  events; 

-  Although  therfore  the  re  is  nothing  more  common(Ifuppofe 
I  may  fay  dangerous  alfo)  among  mortallmen  theh-to  beleevc 
and  beare  themfekes  in  hand  thai  the  eftate  of  others  iafarre 
more  beneficiall  and  better  then-tbeif  own;we  being  thiougly 
acquainted  with  the  divers  di&carie»ingian4  difadvantageotis 
difcommoditiesofour  own  callings,  little  or  not 'at  all  ieene 
-into,ofperceiving  the  fame  in  other  mens. 

Although  male-contented,  yea  the  moft  of  mortalj  men  are 
continually  complayning,feldoqie  tpMent,neyer  latched,  but 
al  waiesdeiirous  to  change  their,  condition  and  exchange  their 
eftates,fb  tharthe  fhepheard  would  be  a  husbandman,  the  hus- 
bandman a  gentleman,tbe  gentleman  a  {qjiic^c,  Little  consi- 
dering that  this  is  no  finall  cauie  of  great  decay  es  in  Gommorv- 
wealtfcsjthat  dry  and  withered  oakes-  and  flirubs  which  have 
-beene  nouriflred  uponithe  fliacpand  craggy  mounrainee  would 
feemeto  be  dainty  date  trees  cberi&ed  in  pjeafant  gardens. 
Yet  beloved  brethren  and  feflow  Chriftian  fouJdiers,  letua 
jjerfiftin^nd  piouflypradife:the  duties  of  our  perfonall  and 
•particular  callings  without  fainting,  or  for faking^herp, 

I,  Co  tiideTing  that  as  there  iano  kindof  life  in  the  world 
,but  therin  vile,and  wicked  men  may  flander  .their  perfonf,and 
leofctheir  foulesrfo  there  b  no  ftate  or  ftation  in  {he  Church  of 
God  but  moilawyclaerinXiftbejw^ 
felves  and  others:fbr  as  the  ftate  of  Princes  and  of  other  prime 
men  having  precedency,  predominance,  prcheminence,  and 
prerogatives  is  good  if  they  abaft  ft  not:  fo  is  the  eftate  of  peo- 
ple ofinrcriourrankes  and  orders  if  they  behave  themfelres 
dutifully,  and  obediently.  As  the  condition  of  rich  men  is  good 

if 


3$4  thickrifiiAntwjttft:         Chap^. 

T      T    F     ^thcydogfaciouflyandgodlilyufethcfamc,  (bis  that  of  the 

olHaef  pa*.      V°0TC  alfo  *f thcy  havc  Picty  and  paticncc*Mr.  ?r r^#>/  faith  ex- 
ft  7.  -cellently-  to  this  purpofc,  Ul4en  of  meane  pi  act  and  calling 

may  comfort  themfelues  inferving  men,  by  per  form  once  offomt 
foore  andbafo duties  tbejferve  God,and  therfore  that  their fer- 
ttice  is  not  baft  in  hu  fight, and  although  the  reward  ft  em  men  be 
little >yet  the  reward  at  Gods  hand  /hall  not  be  wanting.  And  S. 
rMnof.  Spilt*  Ambrofe  fpeaking  cfilefephs  humility  in  doing  fervice,  faith, 
I&7-£/>^-44«  He  advifodly  eonfidering  that  it  matters  nothing  in  what  condi- 
tion any  man  may  fiew  himfelfe  prai/e-worthj-Jut  that  the  purm 
pofe  of  good  menu,  that  they  might  be  approved  in  wbatfoever 
eflatexand  that  to  befingular  and  excellent, if  the  btbavionr  doth 
commend  the  condition, rather  then  the  eft are  the  behaviour -,  for 
by  how  much  the  condition  is  more  bafe%  byfd  much  the  defer  t  u 
more  excellent, 

a.  Confidering  that  during  the  rime  of  our  mifcrable  mor- 
tality, our  limber  and  languiihing  life  in  every  conditioaand 
calling  there  is  both  trouble  and  danger. 

3.  Cbnfiderinelaftly,  that  we  allare,  or  ought  to  bee  the 
Lords  fervants  and  fouldiers,  to  fight  this  good  warfare  hec 
hath  appointed  us  under  Chrift  our  Captaine  and  Comman- 
der, without  ftragling  and  ftarting  out  or  thofe  felccl  nations 
and  (landings  where  in  he  hath  f«  us^nd  to  which  he  hath  ap- 
propriated and  allotted  us ;  not  deeming  the  places  too  rite 
and  abje<$,or  our  fel  ves  too  great  or  good  in  them  to  war  thig 
good  warfare.  When  a  field  is  loft,  the  Captaines  blame  the 
fouldiers,  the  fouldiers  the  Captaines,  the  foreward,  the  rero 
ward,the  battell  the  wingSj&c.  whet«as  if  every  one  who  bla- 
med his  fellow  had  done  his  duty  all  had  beenc  wdl.  Bven  Co 
ift&entlemen,  Preachers,  Farmers,  Artificers,  rich  and  poore, 
and  all  fuch  others  which  blame  each  other,  would  do  his  own 
duty  in  this  Chriftian  warfare,  all  would  do  well. 


FINIS. 


K 


v 


An  Alphabetical!  Index. 


for.ltf.  they  fbould be  unfit A%\% 
A.  as  *tfo  correBed.  %  S^jbeir dmiss  to 

FfecYtons  the  feet  of  the  fiule\       their  par  entt.%%^. 
pag.%%.  Chx'\\\  what  he is.i  09. 

i3bn9  mnfl  be  endured,  2  J— 1 1 8.   Chrift  is  our  Captai*e.\6%. 
y  dre  harmelejfe  and  good  to  the   The  fuffer ings  oj Chrilt  defer  ibe d.  27. 
ood.  3 1 . 1 1  p.  Chriftians  muft  follow  Chrifts  diretti* 

»  they  *rc  from  (jod,  low  from       ons.179. 
thers.^j.  Chriftianitya  a  warfare, 5 . 

they  are  goody  hox»  evill.  6l,  It  is  a  good  warfare.  I  o. 

v  they  are  for  fin.  T  3  8.  Chriftians  muff  war  this  warfare.  1 1 .' 

*er  evillto  be  avoided,  good  to  hee  Chriftians  lazie  and  licentious  cenfu- 
hsri%ed  as  afurthertr  of  courage.       red.  1 4. 
I75.  Courage  necejfary  and  excellent.  I  £  7. 

tichrift  wbat.t  op.  Co^ardife  odious  and  dangerous .1  60 

inotnifts  errors  confuted.  135.         Cro  wnc  */  Chriflians  inejtimable. xjo 
TIQUT  of  a  Chrifiiau  feuldier,  what  D. 

t  uyitsparts9dig»ity,  and  necejftty%   Davids fufferings .25 . 
|5j.  "DdTxhdreadfulli  the  faults,   anddu- 

impregaable.169,  ties  of  rich  and  poor e  in  time  of 

B.  Dearth. 1 22. 
es  their  good  properties  in  true  be  Deaths  advantage.  5  o. 

severs  75 .  Depopulators  hurtful/ men  why  and  to 

raft-plate  ofCbriflianfouldiers.So,       whom.  3  1 7. 

riall  a  blejfing  hsw^and  why . 5 4,  Diet  firengtktnetb. I  ^4. 

C.  Difcords  may  be  with  true  Ghrifliani'* 
\  fc good  m*\es  conragiotts . 1 64.  ty.i  6. 

lings  lawful fhtuld be  h*dt2$5  wan-  Divels  their  names  and  nature.12. 
tors  ofC  al  1  i  nqs  cenfured,  and  for  fa-  E . 

*trs  •/Callings  unwarrantably.  500  Earthly  favours  though  good,  a*e  not  M 
t  are  to  watch  over  our f elves  in  our  Chriftians  chief e  good  and  glory,  1 5. 
Callings.  103. .  ExcrcifeJIrengthenetb.154. 

iptivity  dreadfutl,iet  tollerable.  49 .   Experience  makes  couragious.  172. 
lildrenar*  s  bUffing  to  bee  fray ed  Eye  unguarded  dangerous  .I£p. 

Faitk 

XAtdy  -^  -    —         70:/ 2.2    v,  iff- 


The  Index* 

F-  Husbands  duties  it*  this  warfare ; 

Vanha/hieldnecefary9& exstUm.9%  Hypocrifie dreadfully i . 
Itfortifiethtand  maizes  cmragiow  yj t  J. 

Fa  mine  bow  dreadfull  &  profit  at  fir  4  8  Iafc  ohs  fufferittgs.  1  % . 

VaRingitsueceJ/ltjjprefit,  what  it  «,  IcUcncffc^wV/.^^^wAijigJ 

W  W  r*  beperformed.%6^.  IngrofleTS  cenfiired.ilj. 

Rarefiillncffe  #»  Chri/Iian  fouidiers  Inftnmcntsoffato  beetakeut 

whence.  158.  1 8  ^  t 

Feet  ofthefoule  what  they  are  and  hew  loyyftrovg  in  joy.  1 5  o« 

r*  ^  [hod.  8  8 .  IfraeJs/*  f*ri'*£j.24'. 

Feet  of  ChrtjlUnsfceblefiiled.    1-68.  lodgements «i>/?^  ^ ». f  20. 

Fooks  ofallfooles  Are  all  wicked  men,  Iudgement  day.  1  3  I , 


and  why.  5  j. 


Iu(t  overmuch  who:  52,. 

K. 
Kneeling  r*  beufedinpubllquepr^ 

264. 
Knowledge  particular  in  heaven* 


Gentlenefle  y?r*w£  10  gentlenefle.  t  yi 

Girdle  ofChriflians  defer  tbed  dignifi- 
ed.66 1 

God  ^  the  Chriftiant  munition \  208, 

H*  #/  */«»  r<?  f  &<■  upright  ,   their  fhteld  Law  &Wj  fc?  obedience  A  40. 
*^i  howyand  why.y  l .  (  Long- fuffering  ftroxg  in  it.  151 

;£/*  ajflifts  hi*  children  and  why. 3 7.         Lyers  *»**  lying  odi$us.y6. 

He  is  the  objetl  of  prayer.  i\6.  M. 

Goodnette, firong  in  goodnefle.  j  5 1  •     Magistrates  fhould  bee  righteous  x 


Grace  to  whom  given.  7$. 

Graces goe together,  95. 

Guard  of  Gods  children  what>  \6  5 

H. 
flea!  things  to  be  avoided.  2  $6. 
Heart  of  man  to  be  watched.  1 9<\, 


arid  why  $^, 
They  fhould  be  ceuragious.  1  5  p.* 
Mailers  <&*)  in  thu  warfare.  311, 
Marryed  per  font  duties.  245, 
Martial]  men  honour  able, 2, 
hhulfteis-cenfured.  3  60, 


Hecdfullnetfe^W  r*  what>and  why  Meekne(Te,yrV<w£  **  meeknefle 
1 7p.  MercifullnefTe  i/j  excellency  an 

Helmet  of  a  Christian  defer  ibed.  pp.  !  24, 1 29. 1  36. 

Helper  0  be  fought  ofQod.106.  Minifters  of  the  tPord^their  dttf 

Holy  Ghoft  tht  (fkriftian  fouidiers  en*  7 hey  fhould  be ceuragious.  1 5.^ 

courager.169.  N. 

Hope  is  his  helmet  yhow  it  differs  from  'Nccefllty  makes  couragicmX^ 
jfaittrthowfiomfalfe  hopes. p?t  O. 


The  Index. 

f/tn  t9  be  taken  heed  of.  1 8 1  nitj.%0. 

ke*notgiv:u.6i.  $, 

it  give  oflf.*nce.6i .  Satan  to  he  taken  heed  ef.  i  8  > . 

P.  S:ar(ity  fet  Dearth  and  Famine; 

r inthio  wirftre.itf.  Security  ca*n*lldangereuiti%G, 

avty  Scripture  uajufily  Senfes  to  be  witched  over  .1  99, 

/<M  i  j.  Servants  duty  in  thiiwa^.^o). 

#»peace.i?l*  Shields  diver  s.ji.qi. 

for  7*^1 ours .2 4?.  Chriftiw fhield ivh^andrnkn^jl  9*1 

to  be  watched  *g*ivft>lo\  Shoes  of  ChritlianfoHldiers.%Z.. 

are  .Qods  rods  ,    ffo  Sincerity noa'^es  happy. y 3, 

*<k  of  divers  fuch.^.  Sin  enfeebleth.170. 

Ittty  ia  dearth.  123.  It  u  to  be  taken  heed  of  A  Si, 

tJlfor  ChrifHanfouldiers,  It  U  an  evill  way .  1 3 1 . 

It  U  a  burden.  ]  8  s. 

*#pray,2i6.  And  very  fhamefuQ.\%i. 

\ufi  pray,  for  what  not,  It  isi*goo4*men  while  they  live  in 

ngs  already  enjoyed. a  1 8 .  this  world.  136. 

pray,W?; ,  and  for  whom*  How  a/lfinne  is  pardoned  ingeodmen* 

n  prayer.  2  63 .  ItU  the caufe  ofafflitlions  nhich  befall 

f  times  o/prayer.  2  5  7.  gods  children,  although  not  the  felt 

raults.Jij.  C4hfe9i$8. 

e  taken  he  id  of.  20 1  •  Sere  ngth  ofChrifiian  fottlditrs  digni- 

tgood  men  for  fin,  and  fie  d.  149. 

138.  Subjects  ought  to  fray  for  all  in  tutho* 

R.  r*>/.22,2. 

\rij  to  be  performed  with  Sufferings  ofChrifi,and  Chrifiians  2  $ 

e.i04f,  Sans  properties >  how  the  Lord  U  a  fun 

of  things  pafi  frofita-  to  the  upright .  71 . 

Sword  of  Chriflianfoulditrs  defer i  bed ^ 

at  croffejetfor  Chrijfs  dignified,  a  ©  7. 

le.ayj.  Temperance,  flrong  in  temperance. 

in  dearth. 11%.  152, 

he  Chrifiians  breafl-  Temptations  to  be  expelled,  i  9  %, 
'jtinfcejfttyanddig-  Titles  of  honour  their  original  from 
ywrre&i  Tongue. 


The  Index.1 

Tongue./Wf i*i  a  hitter  Ǥi8ion>  yet  W. 

to  be  endured.  5  5 .  Warfare  of  the  Cbrifliah  fouldit 

Truth  whence  learned. £7.  excellent  and  need  full.  $ . 

It  is  the  ChriBUn  fouldiers  girdle,  its  Watchfullneffe  s  uecejfarj  duty 

divers  kinds >  excellency ',  and  necef-  wates^nd -why,  1 84 . 

fity.66.  Wcake  bdeevets  who.  155. 

V.  Weapons/**  Armour. 

Valour  vanquijheth.  1 6$ .  Wel-doing  not  wearifome.  1 1 8, 

Victory  belongs  to  Cbri&ianfoutiicrs*  Wicked  menfooles  ofallfooles.  3 A 

1 6p.  Wives  duties  in  tbiswar.ipj. 

Virgins  wife  and  fooli{h9  wherein  they  Wife  over  much  who.Sj* 

agree  ^and  differ.  1  o  2 .  Word  ofgodourfword*  107. 

ynmercirull  men  miferablc.  \  14,1 2$>.  /*  cleanfeth.69. 

I }  1  •  /*  #/  the  ground  oftrrth6j* 

Voice  **  pMjw  ueedfall.  262,  Z# 

V  fury  anfured,  confuted,  and  Vfurert  Zcak.  1 1 7^ 
tbjcclitns  anfwered.  3  2£. 


FINIS.